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
Some media pointed to his inability to curb corruption there.
—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
25 June 2026
Gregory Maynard, executive director of the Boston Policy Institute, a City Hall watchdog, said the coordination between the Council and mayor’s office points to the Council’s fundamental inability to carry out its budget amendment authority, which was granted by voters in a 2021 ballot referendum.
—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
24 June 2026
While there are some drawbacks compared to traditional investments — such as its inability to earn dividends — there are several ways to add gold to your portfolio.
—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
24 June 2026
However, his lack of strength, questionable frame and lack of true explosiveness create several questions about his translation to the next level, along with his inability to merge offensive and defensive value in the same season.
—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
25 June 2026
Gregory Maynard, executive director of the Boston Policy Institute, a City Hall watchdog, said the coordination between the Council and mayor’s office points to the Council’s fundamental inability to carry out its budget amendment authority, which was granted by voters in a 2021 ballot referendum.
—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
24 June 2026
While there are some drawbacks compared to traditional investments — such as its inability to earn dividends — there are several ways to add gold to your portfolio.
—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
24 June 2026
However, his lack of strength, questionable frame and lack of true explosiveness create several questions about his translation to the next level, along with his inability to merge offensive and defensive value in the same season.
—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
Noun
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Trump’s command of Congress owes to the incapability of many politicians to see beyond the next election.
Noun
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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.
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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.
Noun
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The most serious charges — which included incompetence, negligence and failure of duty — were dismissed.
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There is where their incompetence comes in.
Noun
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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.
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The longer the delay, the more the system risks turning temporary incompetency into long-term confinement.
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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