as in incapability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the apparent inability of young children to sit still
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
-
Alopecia is also believed to be related to vitamin D insufficiency.—
Veronica Cristino and Hannah Coates,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The pope was also diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and then mild renal insufficiency.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, the pissy, frustrated lawman (Kenneth Tobey) trying to coordinate the manhunt has to deal with abject incompetence and mind-boggling bureaucracy, as well as his own desire to relive his youth.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
-
But Oakland residents who have dealt with decades of incompetence at City Hall shouldn’t have their hopes up.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
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
-
It's been a revolving door of incompetency under center for the Browns this year.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share