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 victim began experiencing extreme tiredness, inability to sleep and other unexplained symptoms soon after attending a prestigious conference in August, Gomelsky said. — Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026

Pierce County prosecutors previously declined to charge Keeler’s opponent, citing their inability to prove third-degree rape beyond a reasonable doubt or overcome a consent defense under case law governing athletic contests. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

The alleged victim began experiencing extreme tiredness, inability to sleep and other unexplained symptoms soon after attending a prestigious conference in August, Gomelsky said. — CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

The Bengals beat the Dolphins 31-24 in large part due to the offense’s inability to get the passing attack going. — Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 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