inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
my 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
Instead, there was a perceptible rise in militant attacks within Pakistan, accompanied by Kabul’s reluctance or inability to decisively act against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
—
Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Most relief is based on financial hardship or inability to pay, and approval is determined on a case-by-case basis.
—Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
In the lawsuit, the former agents said their firings run afoul of FBI policy, which stipulates that agents can only be removed for cause, such as poor performance on the job, abuse of leave, misconduct, national security concerns or an inability to perform their duties.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Just because you were abused as a child does not make your inability to stick with the same verb tense for more than two sentences any more bearable.
—Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Rabia Akhtar, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Most relief is based on financial hardship or inability to pay, and approval is determined on a case-by-case basis.
—Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
In the lawsuit, the former agents said their firings run afoul of FBI policy, which stipulates that agents can only be removed for cause, such as poor performance on the job, abuse of leave, misconduct, national security concerns or an inability to perform their duties.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Just because you were abused as a child does not make your inability to stick with the same verb tense for more than two sentences any more bearable.
—Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inability. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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