inability

noun

ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce inability (audio)
Definition of inabilitynext
Enter your own sentence containing inability , and get words to replace it.
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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 This has contributed to the inability to staff prisons at full capacity. — Peter Cordi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025 The appointment closes a chaotic chapter in Intel’s history, as investors pressured the semiconductor company to cut costs and spin off businesses due to declining sales and an inability to crack the booming artificial intelligence market. — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025 Russia's inability to fully dislodge Ukrainian forces, even with the help of thousands of North Korean troops, has likely been a sore point for the Kremlin. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 South Carolina restarted executions in September after a 13-year pause caused by the state’s inability to procure lethal injection drugs. — Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
  1. insufficiency
  2. incompetence
  3. incompetency
Noun
  • It has been praised for lifting millions of children out of poverty, and research shows that a temporary expansion during the coronavirus pandemic significantly reduced food insufficiency and helped families achieve basic needs.
    — Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Sakharov incorporates blockchain technology to solve the traditional system’s insufficiencies and outdated practices.
    — Geoff Whitmore, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Definition of insufficiency
Noun
  • In short, Trump-Musk incompetence and recklessness may — just may — discredit the vandals in Washington and rein them in.
    — Nicholas Kristof, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2025
  • This assumption of incompetence really weathers us.
    — Marianne Schnall, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of incompetence
Noun
  • When pressed on such timelines during a Senate hearing in December 2024, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf reiterated the issue isn’t a matter of corruption or incompetency, but federal support.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025
  • It's been a revolving door of incompetency under center for the Browns this year.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
Definition of incompetency

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“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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