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

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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 Democrats want to regain power to help lower costs and to put a check on this president and his inability to end this war in Iran. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Knowing what the Yankees are up against the rest of the weekend, Schlittler said he was frustrated with his walks and inability to complete six innings. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026 The Horned Frogs were also doomed by their inability to execute on fourth down, going just 1-of-5. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 Westwood’s inability to resolve that question at the time reflected a much bigger problem — and ultimately helped dismantle one of the things that made Westwood Village remarkable in the first place. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 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

However, Pope Leo is correct in emphasizing the insufficiency of AI ethics in the abstract.

— Thomas A. Hemphill, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026
The results were consistent across most states lower rates of sleep insufficiency were associated with longer life expectancy.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

Definition of insufficiency

Noun

The Reds demonstrate their incompetence once again by allowing Reacher and Green to disarm them and start swinging.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Timidity dissolves into might, selfishness gives place to broad-reaching love, incompetence is replaced with obedience to God’s perfect direction.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of inability

noun

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