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 new data, compiled in April but showing coverage in February, represents the government's first official look at how people's inability to pay their first bills this year affected total enrollment.
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ABC News,
27 June 2026
The new data, compiled in April but showing coverage in February, represents the government’s first official look at how people’s inability to pay their first bills this year affected total enrollment.
—
Ali Swenson,
Fortune,
27 June 2026
On Tuesday, protesters were asked to bring diapers and write demands for Pradhan’s resignation on them – a satirical swipe at the government’s inability to stop exam leaks, Dipke said.
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Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
The rain and the plumbing disasters and the reservation-system crises and Richie’s inability to cancel anyone’s dinner all come right on top of one another, illustrating how frightening and overwhelming the day has become.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
ABC News,
27 June 2026
The new data, compiled in April but showing coverage in February, represents the government’s first official look at how people’s inability to pay their first bills this year affected total enrollment.
—
Ali Swenson,
Fortune,
27 June 2026
On Tuesday, protesters were asked to bring diapers and write demands for Pradhan’s resignation on them – a satirical swipe at the government’s inability to stop exam leaks, Dipke said.
—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 June 2026
The rain and the plumbing disasters and the reservation-system crises and Richie’s inability to cancel anyone’s dinner all come right on top of one another, illustrating how frightening and overwhelming the day has become.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk,
Vulture,
26 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 1 Jul. 2026.
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