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

On the other a cohort of former players and established movers and shakers within the game who have become frustrated at a sport's perceived inability to grow, and who promise big financial backing.

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You have three unhealthy patterns that have taken hold, like ivy that has grown into the foundations of your home: repeated conflict, avoidance of conflict, and your inability to agree on financial management.

Read more on MarketWatch

It wasn’t just the money — it was also his lack of direction and inability to grow in his career.

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Beyond the outcome of this game, the bigger concern is that Philadelphia’s inability to move the ball is becoming a trend.

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The region’s inability to create big tech firms is also seen as a reason why its economies are stagnating.

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Related Words

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