inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
his inability to do math
Synonyms
Examples of inability in a Sentence
She has shown an inability to concentrate.
the inability of the government to cope with the problem
Recent Examples on the Web
That includes with the inability for the prison to offer mental health treatment, anger management classes, vocational training and other services to hundreds of inmates leaving them ill-prepared to leave prison fully rehabilitated, Horowitz said.
—
Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 22 May 2024
The inability of the federal government to keep spending in check extends to an inability to maintain the solvency of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, notes the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 16 May 2024
Though a snell knot tied with braided line will still be strong, the thin, limp nature of the material won’t create the same inability for that hook to move and rotate.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2024
At some point, a nervous waiter (Manuel Guillot) steps in to serve them wine, and his inability to pour out a glass without spilling it all over the place becomes another gag that soon turns horrifically sour.
Or has it?
—Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for inability 
Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 22 May 2024
The inability of the federal government to keep spending in check extends to an inability to maintain the solvency of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, notes the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 16 May 2024
Though a snell knot tied with braided line will still be strong, the thin, limp nature of the material won’t create the same inability for that hook to move and rotate.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2024
At some point, a nervous waiter (Manuel Guillot) steps in to serve them wine, and his inability to pour out a glass without spilling it all over the place becomes another gag that soon turns horrifically sour.
Or has it?
—Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for inability
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near inability
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inability. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌin-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
: lack of ability, power, or means
his inability to carry a tune
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