inability

noun

in·​abil·​i·​ty ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity

his inability to do math

Synonyms

• 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

And many insurance providers still define infertility as the inability to conceive after a year of trying, rather than the inability to conceive without medical intervention. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025

And while the energy sector is eager to modernize its systems, its inability to compete with the private tech industry on talent acquisition is putting the nation’s energy resilience at risk. —Chris McClellen, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Facing ethical dilemmas, an inability to monitor labor conditions, and mounting sustainability concerns, many brands and retailers have withdrawn from Myanmar since the coup, including H&M, Primark, Inditex, Fast Retailing, Tchibo and Marks & Spencer. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 18 Aug. 2025

One of the biggest shortcomings so far is Johnson’s inability to engage constructively and influence policymakers in Springfield. —David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English inhabilite disqualification, from Medieval Latin inhabilitas, from Latin in- + habilitas ability

First Known Use

15th century, 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