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
Tillschneider’s inability to put Habermas into the past tense was somehow reassuring.
—
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
The Washington Post via Getty Images Moore's filing referenced health issues Newman suffered in the summer of 2021 and a fainting episode in 2022, and said judges and staff on the Federal Circuit had expressed concerns about Newman's inability to keep up with her workload.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Other signs can include an inability to grasp visual images and spatial relations, new problems saying or writing words, misplacing objects or personality changes and withdrawing from social or professional activities.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 June 2026
Whether Breslow can repair this team remains the biggest question for the Red Sox heading into this summer’s trade deadline, but the ramifications of the deal and subsequent inability to improve the club may eventually cost Breslow his job.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
The Washington Post via Getty Images Moore's filing referenced health issues Newman suffered in the summer of 2021 and a fainting episode in 2022, and said judges and staff on the Federal Circuit had expressed concerns about Newman's inability to keep up with her workload.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Other signs can include an inability to grasp visual images and spatial relations, new problems saying or writing words, misplacing objects or personality changes and withdrawing from social or professional activities.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 June 2026
Whether Breslow can repair this team remains the biggest question for the Red Sox heading into this summer’s trade deadline, but the ramifications of the deal and subsequent inability to improve the club may eventually cost Breslow his job.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 15 June 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
-
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
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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
Noun
-
Wardex's incompetence is another bugbear.—
Ian Stokes,
Space.com,
12 June 2026
-
California’s slow counting process is not the result of incompetence or an unexpected surge in turnout.—
Matt Klink,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
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
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The longer the delay, the more the system risks turning temporary incompetency into long-term confinement.—
Stephen Martin,
Oklahoma Watch,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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