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

The inability to finalize the deal sooner has reportedly increased the cost of bringing Mourinho back, with the Portuguese still under contract at Benfica. —Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

San Diego’s inability to convert chances has proven costly over the past two matches and has been the difference between earning six points and coming away with just one. —Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

While there are some drawbacks compared to traditional investments — such as its inability to earn dividends — there are several ways to add gold to your portfolio. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 29 May 2026

What tends to damage relationships is not jealousy itself, but the inability to acknowledge it honestly. —Meehika Barua, Time, 29 May 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