inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: 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
The result was a late Timberwolves run and an inability to secure key stops down the stretch, sealing the game.
—
Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
His attorneys recently filed a motion to withdraw from the case, citing their inability to persuade him to comply with the court’s orders.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 1 May 2025
The club specifically cited the inability to afford the licence and other criteria required to remain in the Championship for the decision to drop down.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Biden-era initiatives failed to match the developmental advantages of Chinese assistance due to the American government's inability to compel investment as part of any political arrangement, and didn’t address the myriad historical animosities between the United States and Latin America.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
His attorneys recently filed a motion to withdraw from the case, citing their inability to persuade him to comply with the court’s orders.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 1 May 2025
The club specifically cited the inability to afford the licence and other criteria required to remain in the Championship for the decision to drop down.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Biden-era initiatives failed to match the developmental advantages of Chinese assistance due to the American government's inability to compel investment as part of any political arrangement, and didn’t address the myriad historical animosities between the United States and Latin America.
—Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inability. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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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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