as in incapability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the apparent inability of young children to sit still
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inability
Their big issue against Golden State was an inability to consistently score against a tough defense.
—
Zach Harper, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Its inability to execute on next-gen chip rollouts, capitalize on the foundry business, or maintain architectural leadership has left the company trailing in nearly every performance metric that matters.
—Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Many face beatings, poor medical care and the inability to contact lawyers or relatives, according to activists and former inmates.
—Yuras Karmanau, Christian Science Monitor, 21 June 2025
Yet, Episode 4 still ends with Carrie committing to staying in a long-distance relationship with Aidan for the next five years despite his inability to promise her basically anything in return.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
Zach Harper, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Its inability to execute on next-gen chip rollouts, capitalize on the foundry business, or maintain architectural leadership has left the company trailing in nearly every performance metric that matters.
—Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Many face beatings, poor medical care and the inability to contact lawyers or relatives, according to activists and former inmates.
—Yuras Karmanau, Christian Science Monitor, 21 June 2025
Yet, Episode 4 still ends with Carrie committing to staying in a long-distance relationship with Aidan for the next five years despite his inability to promise her basically anything in return.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
Noun
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Alopecia is also believed to be related to vitamin D insufficiency.—
Veronica Cristino and Hannah Coates,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
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The pope was also diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and then mild renal insufficiency.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The resulting media circus of their incompetence distracts us from their behind-the-scenes actions that are fueling a growing health crisis impacting the very working-class communities that helped deliver Trump his second term.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
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Unlike paternalism — which presumes incompetence and justifies overriding someone’s autonomy — maternalism operates relationally, that is to say, it is rooted in relational awareness.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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If Black and Middlebrooks plan to make that challenge, their lawyers must file petitions alleging incompetency between May 27-29 for Black and between July 7-9 for Middlebrooks.—
Evan Mealins,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Mar. 2025
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Outside of your job, take time to strengthen your incompetency by undergoing extra training and courses, and attending events if necessary.—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.
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