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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.

Demand is presumed so reliable that the inability to meet it is punished.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

And therein lies Rangers' Achilles heel this season - the inability to consistently produce over 90 minutes.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

These can include hopelessness, difficulty thinking clearly, or anhedonia -- the inability to feel pleasure and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

“This all comes back to the Board’s inability to understand the core drivers of the brand’s premium positioning and success.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Faeries make up for their inability to lie with a panoply of deceptions and cruelties.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Vocabulary lists containing inability

"Ellen West" by Frank Bidart

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