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 inability to protect Hoover or establish a run game once again proved to be too much to overcome on the road. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Nov. 2025

Below, during a recent spoiler conversation with THR, Fleischer also discusses Eisenberg’s decision to not return to the role of Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Reckoning, as well as his disappointment over the Venom’s franchise inability to bring Eddie Brock and Peter Parker together. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 15 Nov. 2025

Symptoms of the rare brain disease include trouble balancing, inability to aim the eyes, slurred speech, trouble walking, and difficulty swallowing. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 Nov. 2025

Moreover, disgusted and enraged at his inability to bring Isabelle to heel, Gercourt plots her ruin. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025

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