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

That conundrum, however, slid easily into a failure of imagination and, specifically, an inability to credit the capacities of people who were not white. —Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Likewise, a strong sense of responsibility can foster trust and reliability, yet can slide into micromanagement or an inability to disengage. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

What’s more, inability to heal these relationships can be detrimental to physical and emotional well-being, and even longevity. —Richard Balkin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026

Thus, the inability to read complex material impedes social as well as intellectual growth. —Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 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