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 Asked if Utah changed its tactics from the two regular-season matches, Dali said the difference was the Wave’s inability to cash on its first-half chances, especially when the game was scoreless. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026 The decision hinged on what judges said was the plaintiffs’ inability to define the market for players — a key point in determining how those players are being harmed by being declared ineligible. — Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026 The Bruins’ inability to move the ball has resulted in slow starts. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026 The inability to take affordability seriously didn’t just rest with the White House or with candidates. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 6 Nov. 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

Is love in all its frustrating insufficiency enough to save us?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2026
The board then held another vote on September 15, seemingly indicating the insufficiency of the first one, and, says the filing, preparatory materials were provided to participants just three days before.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of insufficiency

Noun

His incompetence and determination to suck up to Trump helped launch the war against Iran in the first place.

— Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 11 Nov. 2026
Three decades of one-party rule left a record of incompetence and corruption that the African National Congress – the party of Nelson Mandela – reluctantly admits.

— Kurt Shillinger, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of inability

noun

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