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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.

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

Prime Minister Mark Carney also publicly criticized Rousseau’s inability to speak French, calling it poor judgment for the head of a national carrier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Rousseau later apologised in a written statement released in both English and French, saying he was deeply saddened his inability to speak French "diverted attention" from the pilots' grieving families and Air Canada staff.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

He was angry at his inability to do anything about saving her.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier

Vocabulary lists containing inability

"Ellen West" by Frank Bidart

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