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

There, a mad, out-of-control Mary lives on as tenaciously as George Washington’s inability to tell a lie. —Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026

The rest of the film consists of the brother and sister’s return to the ranch, now suffused with dread at Misael’s inability to properly care for his sibling. —Vadim Rizov, IndieWire, 16 May 2026

What was most damning about the performance was Liverpool’s inability to do even the basics correctly. —James Pearce, New York Times, 16 May 2026

Cleveland Clinic describes anhedonia as the inability to experience joy or pleasure, often showing up as numbness or reduced interest in things once enjoyed. —Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 15 May 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