INABILITIES Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

inability

noun

ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē

Definition of inability

as in incapability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means the apparent inability of young children to sit still

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of inability But the president has done little to hide his frustration over his inability to make good on that pledge. — Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026 Beyond the inability to concentrate on their homework without constant prodding, is this really a big problem? — Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 4 July 2026 That's when Giumarra sued him for breach of contract, leading to his inability to sell the fruit at all while the court battle plays out. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 That’s when Giumarra sued him for breach of contract, leading to his inability to sell the fruit at all while the court battle plays out. — Claire Rush, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inability

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability

Noun

This could reflect in features such as automation incapabilities, incompetent workflow designs, overreliance on legacy infrastructure and lack of alignment in financial transformation.

— Dr. Saheer Nelliparamban, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Trump’s command of Congress owes to the incapability of many politicians to see beyond the next election.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Jan. 2026

Definition of incapability

Noun

Some were permanently dismissed due to statute of limitations or legal insufficiency, while others were temporary on legal grounds, meaning Pines' lawyers can attempt to correct them.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 June 2026
There’s a temptation to call such men too big for their boots, but Henri is too small for his, and Arlaud is so good at projecting that insufficiency, yet still being riveting to watch.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 20 May 2026

Definition of insufficiency

Noun

Both teams are eliminated from the tournament for incompetence.

— Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 30 June 2026
In it, the author described a culture of confusion, stress, and incompetence, as contractors competed for work to be completed under near-impossible deadlines.

— Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of incompetence

Noun

Those forms are not pertinent to the finding of incompetency and are therefore subject to the open records law, Ziegler and Bradley wrote.

— Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Federal agents have descended upon the home of Cindy Rodriguez Singh, the North Texas mom who was recently sent to a state hospital after an incompetency ruling in the murder of her young son.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 12 May 2026

Definition of incompetency

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inability

in a breeze

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“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of inability

noun

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