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
Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is facing mounting criticism for his government’s inability to stop pro-Iranian militias and the Islamic Republic of Iran from attacking American, French, Italian and Kurdish military personnel and facilities in Iraq.
—
Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Xi’s unwillingness or inability to intervene in events so far from home seems to be harming China’s reputation as a geopolitical counterweight to the United States.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
While the calculated Smoke sports a slightly oversized shoe that keeps him slow-moving, Stack wears a too-tight shoe that represents his inability to sit still.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
All stones start out as crystals that grow or coalesce in the bladder leading to urinary problems manifested in different ways such as straining to urinate, inability to urinate, bloody urination, inappropriate voiding, and more.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Xi’s unwillingness or inability to intervene in events so far from home seems to be harming China’s reputation as a geopolitical counterweight to the United States.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
While the calculated Smoke sports a slightly oversized shoe that keeps him slow-moving, Stack wears a too-tight shoe that represents his inability to sit still.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
All stones start out as crystals that grow or coalesce in the bladder leading to urinary problems manifested in different ways such as straining to urinate, inability to urinate, bloody urination, inappropriate voiding, and more.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 15 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 21 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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