Synonyms of inability

inability

noun

ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

as in incapability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means

the apparent inability of young children to sit still

Synonyms & Similar Words

• incapability
• insufficiency
• incompetence
• incompetency
• incapacity
• disqualification
• impotence
• ineptitude
• powerlessness
• inadequacy
• inefficiency
• ineffectiveness
• inaptitude
• inefficacy
• ineffectuality
• ineffectualness
• inefficaciousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ability
• capacity
• capability
• competence
• adequacy
• competency
• potency
• talent
• gift
• efficiency
• aptitude
• endowment
• knack
• genius
• effectiveness
• flair
• bent
• power
• strength
• suitability
• fitness
• potency
• efficaciousness
• effectualness
• suitableness
• sinew
• puissance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inability

Nyota offers her own words of comfort (and cookies) to Kirk, a nice gesture, but one slightly diminished by Kirk’s inability to connect with Carol and David. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 30 July 2026

Trump has long been frustrated with the Senate GOP over its inability to pass the SAVE America Act, an election integrity measure that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and a voter ID to cast a ballot nationwide. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026

In wilderness settings or isolated locations, a sudden seizure can result in immediate loss of consciousness, trauma, respiratory arrest or an inability to seek emergency care, experts note. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

This is, perhaps, at the heart of my ambivalence toward QVC, or more accurately, my inability to see my engagement with it as pure ridicule or even a hate-watch. — Hannah Engler Harvey, Longreads, 30 July 2026