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 Also Thursday, the news outlets had asked in a court filing for an immediate hearing to address their inability to access the White House grounds earlier in the day. — Jocelyn Noveck, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 But the same issues that plagued him a year ago — interceptions and an inability to see the field — have carried over to this season. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026 The investor’s loss, or the inability to sell, is not enough on its own. — Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 The late-night show’s second season premiere opened with a sketch about King Charles and Princess Diana that ended up focusing on Sheeran’s inability to pick a side. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 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

Products like Creon, Zenpep, Pancreaze, Pertzye, Ultresa and Viokace are typically prescribed for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, a condition in which the body does not produce enough enzymes on its own.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026
However, Pope Leo is correct in emphasizing the insufficiency of AI ethics in the abstract.

— Thomas A. Hemphill, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026

Definition of insufficiency

Noun

At the start of the 1986-87 season, a combination of previous boardroom incompetence and broader economics saw Middlesbrough not just in the Third Division, but with their ground, Ayresome Park, padlocked.

— Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Whereas Putin takes extravagant risks on the international stage but is loath to hold his associates accountable for incompetence, Xi is just the opposite.

— Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of incompetence

Noun

Court records show DeFoor has a history of criminal cases involving findings of mental incompetency.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
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

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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inability

noun

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