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

Jonathan Bailey, the Bridgerton actor and People's 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, has found himself at the center of a polarizing online debate—one that spotlights the lingering inability of many to comprehend openly gay male celebrities in lead romantic roles. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

When Fahad arrives at the mosque with a black eye, his conservative family’s inability to communicate sends them spiraling into assumptions about his life after dark. —Essie Assibu, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025

For people with severe motor impairment, the inability to express themselves with family and friends or request basic needs makes living difficult. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Nov. 2025

Reports at the time highlighted the poor dragon's slow deflation and inability to finish the 25 blocks left on his journey. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Nov. 2025

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