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

Adebayo’s inability to hit threes so far this season (3 for 18) has been one of many factors in the Heat’s poor start. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026

His teachers attributed the problem to his inability to stay focused while using an iPad throughout the day, Byock said. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Symptoms included fatigue, headaches, poor sleep and concentration, and a vague inability to keep up with the increasing pace of demands of the age. — Kirsten Balin, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026

Courtesy Charlie Harker For some teenagers, that inability to connect meant new norms. — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 23 Oct. 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