inability

[in-uh-bil-i-tee]

noun

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

   his inability to make decisions.

   Synonyms: incompetence, impotence, incapacity, incapability

inability

/ ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of ability or means; incapacity

Word History and Origins

Origin of inability¹

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

Synonym Study

See disability.

Example Sentences

Of course, this doesn’t excuse her inability to empathize with you after the party.

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Its stance, and the inability of Lebanon’s weaker army to force disarmament, is heightening tensions with Israel and the U.S.

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As with last year’s chicken, your sister’s apparent inability to gauge the temperature in the room is the real root of the problem.

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While she has since embraced her womanhood, she says she still lives with the irreversible effects—including chronic pain, a low voice, excessive hair growth and the inability to breastfeed her child.

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For many Nigerians, the persistent insecurity reflects the state’s inability to ensure their protection.

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Related Words

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