inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
my inability to do math
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
Confronted about what was happening to Tagovailoa’s game, and Miami’s inability to run a hurry-up offense with him behind center, McDaniel eventually benched Tagovailoa for the final three games of the season, turning over the team to rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
The ultimate fail here was the DNA of the movie and its inability to be an event for anybody.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2026
His fleet, flashy presence was a reminder of what Charlotte was missing in its playoff series in 2025 — the inability to score goals.
—Scott Fowler
march 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
The device, which is cleared by the FDA for withdrawal mitigation from opioid use disorder, works by abating severe symptoms such as stomach aches, back aches, sweats, and the inability to keep food down, according to George Rizk, an executive board member with NET Recovery.
—Bri Buckley, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
The ultimate fail here was the DNA of the movie and its inability to be an event for anybody.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2026
His fleet, flashy presence was a reminder of what Charlotte was missing in its playoff series in 2025 — the inability to score goals.
—Scott Fowler
march 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
The device, which is cleared by the FDA for withdrawal mitigation from opioid use disorder, works by abating severe symptoms such as stomach aches, back aches, sweats, and the inability to keep food down, according to George Rizk, an executive board member with NET Recovery.
—Bri Buckley, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inability. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌin-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
: lack of ability, power, or means
his inability to carry a tune
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