inability

noun

in·​abil·​i·​ty ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity

his inability to do math

Synonyms

• impotence
• inadequacy
• incapability
• incapacity
• incompetence
• incompetency
• ineptitude
• insufficiency
• powerlessness

Example Sentences

She has shown an inability to concentrate.

the inability of the government to cope with the problem

Recent Examples on the Web

This includes fines addressing Instagram's handling of children's data and its inability to stop hackers from stealing user data. —Christopher Hutton, Washington Examiner, 17 May 2023

But the most critical detriment of a siloed streaming platform is its inability to reach new, casual viewers. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2023

The airline, on the other hand, had blamed the non-availability of Pratt & Whitney engines for its inability to meet financial obligations. —Niharika Sharma, Quartz, 3 May 2023

The fighting also puts at risk the cold chain in Sudan, including over $40 million worth of vaccines and insulin, due to the breaks in the power supply and the inability to restock generators with fuel, Russell said. —Forbes, 3 May 2023

Their inability to quickly come to a consensus on their leader indicated to Democrats that an equally treacherous and unpredictable fight could unfold ahead of the debt ceiling debate, according to people familiar with the negotiations. —John Wagner And Marianna Sotomayor, Anchorage Daily News, 3 May 2023

Following Trump’s diagnosis with covid-19 and the candidates inability to agree on a virtual debate, the second debate was canceled. —Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, 2 May 2023

Later Symptoms of Aphasia Although PPA typically begins with a person’s inability to speak properly, these symptoms gradually become much worse as the left temporal lobe (the part of the brain responsible for language recall) degrades. —Matt Benoit, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2023

Symptoms of opiate overdose in dogs include drowsiness, difficulty standing, failure to respond to commands, a blank stare, weakness, unconsciousness and an inability to breathe, according to a handout from the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association. —Zoe Sottile, CNN, 22 Apr. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English inhabilite disqualification, from Medieval Latin inhabilitas, from Latin in- + habilitas ability

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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