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
The suspension was imposed by the International Ice Hockey Federation, which has repeatedly extended it, citing security concerns and the inability to guarantee safe participation in international events.
—
Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
And an inability to keep down even small sips of water without sprinting to the bathroom with yet more explosive diarrhea.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
While the key players blamed each other for the crisis, their inability to reach a compromise has fueled disappointment among Kosovo’s around 2 million voters, who want the government to focus on the economy and living standards instead.
—ABC News, 6 June 2026
All that said, the inability of Illinois’ political leaders to get their act together so as to put an alternative on the table in the face of Indiana’s aggressive move to poach the Bears is a stinging indictment of this state’s politicians.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
And an inability to keep down even small sips of water without sprinting to the bathroom with yet more explosive diarrhea.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
While the key players blamed each other for the crisis, their inability to reach a compromise has fueled disappointment among Kosovo’s around 2 million voters, who want the government to focus on the economy and living standards instead.
—ABC News, 6 June 2026
All that said, the inability of Illinois’ political leaders to get their act together so as to put an alternative on the table in the face of Indiana’s aggressive move to poach the Bears is a stinging indictment of this state’s politicians.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 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 9 Jun. 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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