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
The Chiefs’ inability to score a touchdown Sunday before halftime of their 28-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills was a big topic on the latest episode of the New Heights podcast.
—
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025
Another challenge was her inability to feel the ground beneath her, particularly around the five bridges along the iconic route.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
The supernatural thriller follows Bua, a woman pushed to her breaking point after nearly losing her job and facing the inability to pay for her blind sister’s treatment.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
As an independent moderate voter who leans left of center, I am frustrated by Democrats’ inability to unify behind a consistent, effective message.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025
Another challenge was her inability to feel the ground beneath her, particularly around the five bridges along the iconic route.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
The supernatural thriller follows Bua, a woman pushed to her breaking point after nearly losing her job and facing the inability to pay for her blind sister’s treatment.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
As an independent moderate voter who leans left of center, I am frustrated by Democrats’ inability to unify behind a consistent, effective message.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
Noun
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While there is little research on food insufficiency among trans people, a study published in October in the open access medical journal Critical Public Health found that between 2021 and 2023, 21% of trans adults reported experiencing food insufficiency, as opposed to 8% of cisgender adults.—
James Factora,
Them.,
7 Nov. 2025
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French officials and the Louvre Museum have come under international fire in the days and weeks after the heist for security insufficiencies that allowed thieves to steal priceless artifacts in broad daylight.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Because of such incompetence, the city’s finances are a disaster and unsustainable, which will ultimately lead to bankruptcy without prompt action.—
Letters To The Editor,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
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Still, at least Geralt has Jaskier, whose incompetence is a regular problem but whose loyalty is unquestionable.—
Scott Meslow,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Maybe that data suggests incompetency in the sporting director role.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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The National Geographic series dives into footage and narratives from officials leading the disaster response at the time, revealing incompetencies and false information from the media that cost locals their lives.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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