inability

noun

in·​abil·​i·​ty ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity

my inability to do math

Synonyms of inability

• incapability
• insufficiency
• incompetence
• incompetency

Examples of inability in a Sentence

She has shown an inability to concentrate.

the inability of the government to cope with the problem

Recent Examples on the Web

The filing argues that custody is a nonwaivable jurisdictional requirement and that remote court proceedings would raise insurmountable problems, including the inability to verify identities, enforce perjury laws, or protect classified information. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 9 Feb. 2026

While a new tagline wouldn’t have substantially changed many minds, the campaign itself highlighted the Post leadership’s inability to the think creatively. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026

What’s most troubling is our inability to realize the hurt this conflict has caused our families, friends and neighbors. —Mansoor Shams, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2026

Connecticut’s energy picture is clouded by its inability to get an adequate supply of natural gas, the main source of energy in the state and wider region. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English inhabilite disqualification, from Medieval Latin inhabilitas, from Latin in- + habilitas ability

First Known Use

1500, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

Kids Definition

inability

noun

in·​abil·​i·​ty ˌin-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

: lack of ability, power, or means

his inability to carry a tune