inability

noun

in·​abil·​i·​ty ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce inability (audio)
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
his inability to do math

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 1949, a grand jury convened to discuss the inability of LAPD’s homicide unit to solve murders, during which Short’s death was further investigated. Alex Gurley, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025 She has also been criticized for cutting the Los Angeles Fire Department's budget by $17.4 million last year, which critics say has contributed to their inability to respond to the wildfires. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Macdonald put the blame for the wideout’s down year on the team’s inability to get him the ball. Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 That includes addressing concerns about safety and conditions like smoking on trains, or the inability to get around the city. Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inability 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inability was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near inability

Cite this Entry

“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inability. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

inability

noun
in·​abil·​i·​ty ˌin-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce inability (audio)
: lack of ability, power, or means
his inability to carry a tune

More from Merriam-Webster on inability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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