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

Gartner predicted that at least 30% of generative AI projects will be abandoned after proof-of-concept, citing the organizations’ inability to connect to a clear business purpose. — Daniel Jebaraj, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Execution failed United again, but so did their inability to master different solutions against a deep defence, which has been a worrying trend under Carrick. — Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Among the many glaring issues coming out of the opener, the offense’s inability to sustain drives was particularly galling. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

But, second, and potentially more consequential, may be the inability to judge the trajectory of policy. — Steve Liesman, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

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