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

In rival Anthropic’s recent S-1 filing, the inability to secure more compute is listed as a major risk factor that could cause Anthropic to be unsuccessful. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

And the party’s inability to come together during the final week of the election is likely to haunt it well into the 2028 primary. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

The eight-part season was left open ended after Alex ends it with Patrick, played by Rupert Friend after discovering a list of pros and cons, with the inability to have children as in the latter column. — Peter White, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026

Much like on Baby Keem’s Ca$ino, another recent rap epic undone by its author’s inability to overcome lingering trauma, BigX can’t always navigate around his unnamed haters. — Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 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