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
Ninety-nine patients were hospitalized for severe symptoms such as inability to breathe and inflammation in the brain.
—
Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025
The story of America and Vietnam is the story of a nation coming to terms with its inability to use power for good.
—Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Shortly after that, Jeremy developed a foot drop, which is the inability to lift the front part of the foot, which can cause the toes to drag while walking.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Dec. 2025
Workers described severe exhaustion, fainting and sleep deprivation due to limited rest between shifts, the BHRC found, noting that the refusal or inability to meet targets has reportedly led to verbal abuse , threats and punitive measures.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025
The story of America and Vietnam is the story of a nation coming to terms with its inability to use power for good.
—Literary Hub, 18 Dec. 2025
Shortly after that, Jeremy developed a foot drop, which is the inability to lift the front part of the foot, which can cause the toes to drag while walking.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Dec. 2025
Workers described severe exhaustion, fainting and sleep deprivation due to limited rest between shifts, the BHRC found, noting that the refusal or inability to meet targets has reportedly led to verbal abuse , threats and punitive measures.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 17 Dec. 2025
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 Dec. 2025.
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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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