inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
his inability to do math
Synonyms
- impotence
- inadequacy
- incapability
- incapacity
- incompetence
- incompetency
- ineptitude
- insufficiency
- powerlessness
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
She has shown an inability to concentrate. the inability of the government to cope with the problem
Recent Examples on the Web In Strahovski’s case, that’s a penitence that’s still shaded with Serena Joy’s pride and near-total inability to truly concede wrong. 
Daniel D'addario, Variety, 8 Sep. 2022 Dave saves thousands of dollars every year simply because of his drab personality and inability to ask questions or talk about anything other than himself. Meghana Indurti, The New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2022 In video testimony recorded before the trial began, family friend Finai Browd testified about Nikolas Cruz’s frequent tantrums and inability to get along with other children his age. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2022 Part of Warren’s argument in the complaint is that the Florida Constitution limits removal to true incompetence or inability to do the work and violation of a legal obligation. Lateshia Beachum, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2022 Perhaps Biden's biggest challenge during his presidency has been an inability to win the narrative wars that shape the public's conception of the state of the union. Peniel E. Joseph, CNN, 27 Aug. 2022 For me, the recurring theme across several of the drama categories is going to be my inability to decide between Better Call Saul and Succession. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Aug. 2022 His main weakness to date is an inability to draw many walks. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 While some of this arises from inefficient internal operations, the most common reason for overcrowding is the inability to move emergency patients to a bed in the hospital because there are no empty beds to send them to. Stephen Bohan, STAT, 2 Aug. 2022 See More
Daniel D'addario, Variety, 8 Sep. 2022 Dave saves thousands of dollars every year simply because of his drab personality and inability to ask questions or talk about anything other than himself. Meghana Indurti, The New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2022 In video testimony recorded before the trial began, family friend Finai Browd testified about Nikolas Cruz’s frequent tantrums and inability to get along with other children his age. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2022 Part of Warren’s argument in the complaint is that the Florida Constitution limits removal to true incompetence or inability to do the work and violation of a legal obligation. Lateshia Beachum, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2022 Perhaps Biden's biggest challenge during his presidency has been an inability to win the narrative wars that shape the public's conception of the state of the union. Peniel E. Joseph, CNN, 27 Aug. 2022 For me, the recurring theme across several of the drama categories is going to be my inability to decide between Better Call Saul and Succession. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Aug. 2022 His main weakness to date is an inability to draw many walks. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 While some of this arises from inefficient internal operations, the most common reason for overcrowding is the inability to move emergency patients to a bed in the hospital because there are no empty beds to send them to. Stephen Bohan, STAT, 2 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English inhabilite disqualification, from Medieval Latin inhabilitas, from Latin in- + habilitas ability
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē
: the condition of being unable to do something : lack of ability
He laughed at my inability to sing.
inability
noun
as in incapability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means the apparent inability of young children to sit still Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- incapability
- incompetence
- incompetency
- incapacity
- insufficiency
- disqualification
- impotence
- ineptitude
- powerlessness
- inadequacy
- ineffectiveness
- inefficiency
- inaptitude
- inefficacy
- ineffectuality
- ineffectualness
- inefficaciousness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- ability
- capacity
- capability
- adequacy
- competence
- competency
- potency
- talent
- efficiency
- gift
- aptitude
- knack
- endowment
- effectiveness
- flair
- genius
- bent
- strength
- power
- suitability
- fitness
- potency
- efficaciousness
- effectualness
- suitableness
- sinew
- puissance