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Definitions

inability

[in-uh-bil-i-tee] / ˌɪn əˈbɪl ɪ ti /
NOUN
lack of ability
Synonyms
STRONGEST
failure impotence incompetence inefficiency ineptitude lack shortcoming weakness
STRONG
disqualification frailty inadequacy inaptitude incapability incapacity ineffectiveness ineffectualness inefficacy ineptness insufficiency inutility necessity powerlessness unfitness
WEAK
incapacitation
Antonyms
STRONGEST
strong point success
STRONG
ability sufficiency
WEAK
capacity competence skill talent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Chief among them is the seeming inability to absorb a blow and come back fighting.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Obviously, his inability to retain 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara was frustrating and ultimately devastating.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

He’s long resented her inability to contain the frenzy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

In his apology, Rousseau said that he was “deeply saddened that my inability to speak French has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families and the great resilience of Air Canada’s employees.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The inability to test out her theory irked Ophie something fierce.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Vocabulary lists containing inability

"Ellen West" by Frank Bidart

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