inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
his inability to do math
Synonyms
Examples of inability in a Sentence
She has shown an inability to concentrate.
the inability of the government to cope with the problem
Recent Examples on the Web
Sometimes, the cop even pokes fun at the suspect’s inability to sprint, calling them out for being out of shape.
—
Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Navarro grew anxious over her inability to help support her family.
—Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2024
In Katie’s mind, their accident—Steve’s inability to keep the boat off that rock—had ruined everyone’s trip.
—Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024
For those still worried about the Bruins’ 72-67 loss to San Diego State — which was missing five scholarship players, including its starting backcourt — the lingering concerns would be rebounding and an inability to convert turnovers into points.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inability 
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.
Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Navarro grew anxious over her inability to help support her family.
—Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2024
In Katie’s mind, their accident—Steve’s inability to keep the boat off that rock—had ruined everyone’s trip.
—Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024
For those still worried about the Bruins’ 72-67 loss to San Diego State — which was missing five scholarship players, including its starting backcourt — the lingering concerns would be rebounding and an inability to convert turnovers into points.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inability
Dictionary Entries Near inability
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inability. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌin-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
: lack of ability, power, or means
his inability to carry a tune
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share