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
Even if Vance and other Cabinet members were to sign a letter and send it to Congress, the president can take power back by declaring to Congress in writing that no inability exists.
—
Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 8 Apr. 2026
In particular, his inability to track shots from the point has been an enormous problem.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Last season’s big problem was an inability to create anything explosive on special teams.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026
The Hawks lost because of some bad possessions under duress and their inability to prevent Knicks star Jalen Brunson from making winning plays of his own.
—Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 8 Apr. 2026
In particular, his inability to track shots from the point has been an enormous problem.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Last season’s big problem was an inability to create anything explosive on special teams.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026
The Hawks lost because of some bad possessions under duress and their inability to prevent Knicks star Jalen Brunson from making winning plays of his own.
—Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
Placental insufficiency, in which the organ fails to develop or function properly, is a leading cause of spontaneous preterm birth, experts say.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which prevents your pancreas from producing enough of the enzymes needed to digest carbs, proteins, and fats.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Democratic officials who led impeachment efforts against Noem characterized her removal as necessary due to her incompetence and mismanagement, focusing on her failure to execute her duties effectively rather than framing her dismissal within broader patterns.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
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His administration’s handling of the Iran war — from killing scores of schoolchildren based on outdated intelligence to failing to prepare for the closing of the Strait of Hormuz — is just the latest example of its systemic, and deadly, incompetence.—
James Speyer,
New York Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The reproduction of systemic racism occurs not simply through white denial but also through the promotion of cultural incompetency.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The District Attorney’s Office said a finding of incompetency does not dismiss the case or result in a defendant’s release, and that proceedings will resume if Mock is later deemed competent.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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