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 The story this year for Louisville has been its inability to close out close games. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Many of the results, experts say, are far better written than the Navier-Stokes proof, suggesting that OpenAI’s math team is working to overcome its model’s inability to explain its math clearly to humans. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 Spivey described several medical issues, including a blood clot in one arm, pneumonia, the inability to swallow and no function in her arms. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026 Perhaps even more concerning than the Broncos’ poor first halves is their inability to get anything going on opening drives. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 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

Stoughton broadly recommends any kind of standing water activity for anyone looking to avoid vein issues or even counteract early-stage venous insufficiency.

— Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of insufficiency

Noun

Treat mistakes as information rather than evidence of incompetence, and people might become more willing to try new things.

— Vinesh Sukumaran, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities has been revealed as a nest of incompetence in its powerful central office.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inability

noun

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