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

But the same issues that plagued him a year ago — interceptions and an inability to see the field — have carried over to this season. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The investor’s loss, or the inability to sell, is not enough on its own. — Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

The late-night show’s second season premiere opened with a sketch about King Charles and Princess Diana that ended up focusing on Sheeran’s inability to pick a side. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Rampant inflation, the collapse of insurance payments, and the government’s inability to sell oil and obtain the foreign currency needed to repay pharmacies have fractured the supply chain. — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 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