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

But the president has done little to hide his frustration over his inability to make good on that pledge. — Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026

It was reflected in his inability to record a single strikeout. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

That's when Giumarra sued him for breach of contract, leading to his inability to sell the fruit at all while the court battle plays out. — ABC News, 3 July 2026

That’s when Giumarra sued him for breach of contract, leading to his inability to sell the fruit at all while the court battle plays out. — Claire Rush, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 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