as in incapability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the apparent inability of young children to sit still
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inability
In March 2026, a detainee escaped from the facility, which ICE officials blamed on the contractors' inability to track people housed there.
—
Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 June 2026
The world is laughing at our inability to count votes in a timely manner.
—Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 9 June 2026
On the latest episode of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart reflected on Donald Trump‘s inability to deal with the press after the president stormed out of an interview on Meet the Press over the weekend.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
The inability to reach the pinnacle led Jones to request a trade out of Connecticut — a move that was justified two years later with the Liberty’s 2024 title-winning season.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 June 2026
The world is laughing at our inability to count votes in a timely manner.
—Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 9 June 2026
On the latest episode of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart reflected on Donald Trump‘s inability to deal with the press after the president stormed out of an interview on Meet the Press over the weekend.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
The inability to reach the pinnacle led Jones to request a trade out of Connecticut — a move that was justified two years later with the Liberty’s 2024 title-winning season.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
Noun
-
Some were permanently dismissed due to statute of limitations or legal insufficiency, while others were temporary on legal grounds, meaning Pines' lawyers can attempt to correct them.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
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There’s a temptation to call such men too big for their boots, but Henri is too small for his, and Arlaud is so good at projecting that insufficiency, yet still being riveting to watch.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
That kind of dangerous incompetence puts everyone at risk.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
7 Dec. 2025
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While there is generally more going on than in the uneventful first movie, the sequel’s writing displays a different kind of incompetence.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
6 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Maybe that data suggests incompetency in the sporting director role.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The National Geographic series dives into footage and narratives from officials leading the disaster response at the time, revealing incompetencies and false information from the media that cost locals their lives.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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