inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
his 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
Maybe that’s part of what fuels the visible frustration — an inability to be a bigger part of the solution.
—
Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
Due to the unexpected medical fees and her inability to work in schools because of her diagnosis, her friend created a GoFundMe to help raise money for her treatment.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
The Leap is predicated on severing attachment to all things (see Laura’s inability to feel love for her baby), but love is a key factor in creating a secure attachment.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
The inability to replicate such results is a red flag that the algorithms do not work as described, or there is a mismatch between what is being claimed and what the actual results are.
—Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
Due to the unexpected medical fees and her inability to work in schools because of her diagnosis, her friend created a GoFundMe to help raise money for her treatment.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
The Leap is predicated on severing attachment to all things (see Laura’s inability to feel love for her baby), but love is a key factor in creating a secure attachment.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
The inability to replicate such results is a red flag that the algorithms do not work as described, or there is a mismatch between what is being claimed and what the actual results are.
—Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 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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