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

Much has been written about the inability to fall asleep. —Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

Coffey would return midseason, with the team’s defence in chaos and a stunning inability to make a precise forward pass. —Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026

He, however, was believed to be a Day 3 pick due to drops and perceived inability to play through physicality. —Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

The format has its limitations, though — the most obvious for fans with an inclination to ship is the sheer inability to develop romantic relationships over the course of a season. —Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 25 Apr. 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