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
Yet Trump’s inability to form coherent sentences, his garbling of words, and recent shuffling of his feet have once again raised questions over the president’s health.
—
Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 22 Jan. 2026
The Texas women's basketball coach railed against his team’s inability to corral 50-50 balls.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026
Other complaints involved inmates’ inability to access law libraries, legal forms and copying services.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 Jan. 2026
Even if Vance and other Cabinet members were to sign a letter and send it to Congress, the president can take power back by declaring to Congress in writing that no inability exists.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 22 Jan. 2026
The Texas women's basketball coach railed against his team’s inability to corral 50-50 balls.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026
Other complaints involved inmates’ inability to access law libraries, legal forms and copying services.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 Jan. 2026
Even if Vance and other Cabinet members were to sign a letter and send it to Congress, the president can take power back by declaring to Congress in writing that no inability exists.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
Noun
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Barbabella said in July the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which according to the National Institute of Health can cause skin discoloration, among other symptoms.—
Mike Stunson,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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In July, the White House also shared that the president had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which causes noticeable swelling in his legs.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Especially Gina, who honestly was just minding her business, hanging out with her boyfriend’s daughter, and winds up getting accused of incompetence by her own boyfriend.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
23 Jan. 2026
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Trump’s malice and incompetence alienates voters, who then publicly voice their discontent, encouraging other political actors and institutions to see him not as a crusading avatar of national destiny but as a weakened figure.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
20 Jan. 2026
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 24 Jan. 2026.
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