inability

American  

[in-uh-bil-i-tee] / ˌɪn əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. lack of ability; lack of power, capacity, or means.

   his inability to make decisions.

   Synonyms:

   incompetence, impotence, incapacity, incapability

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inability British  

/ ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of ability or means; incapacity

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Related Words

See disability.

Etymology

Origin of inability

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English inabilite, from Medieval Latin inhabilitās; equivalent to in- ³ + ability

Example Sentences

While politics and faith are always closely tied in this flashpoint city, for some Muslims the inability to access Al-Aqsa this year was felt as a deep personal loss.

From Barron's

That would prove the regime’s inability to defend itself, signifying it can’t long survive and exacerbating divisions within a system already rocked by an accelerated succession crisis and the elimination of many top leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nigel Parsley, senior coroner for Suffolk, said the doctor's "inability to promptly communicate" with its medical assessment unit or A&E department was a concern.

From BBC

While the calculated Smoke sports a slightly oversized shoe that keeps him slow-moving, Stack wears a too-tight shoe that represents his inability to sit still.

From Los Angeles Times

Keep in mind that gold has softened recently, now 9% off its Jan. 29 peak just above $5,600, and copper’s inability to catch a bid against it is concerning.

From Barron's

Related Words

• failure
• impotence
• incompetence
• inefficiency
• ineptitude
• lack
• shortcoming
• weakness