as in incapability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the apparent inability of young children to sit still
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inability
The City Council also unanimously denied the appeal, with leaders expressing appreciation for the community work the group does but an inability to grant the appeal.
—
Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
School districts are eligible for the funding based on their inability to generate enough revenue to support public schools at the state average level.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Mueller’s inability to get to the bottom of the murk did not make the murk any less murky.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 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
See All Example Sentences for inability
Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
School districts are eligible for the funding based on their inability to generate enough revenue to support public schools at the state average level.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Mueller’s inability to get to the bottom of the murk did not make the murk any less murky.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 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
See All Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
Noun
-
Trump’s command of Congress owes to the incapability of many politicians to see beyond the next election.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which prevents your pancreas from producing enough of the enzymes needed to digest carbs, proteins, and fats.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The Arizona Republic cites records obtained from the El Paso PD that purportedly include allegations of insubordination, insufficiency, tardiness, and numerous disciplinary reviews related to accusations of excessive force, dereliction of duty, and off-duty gambling.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But through a series of mistakes and apparent incompetence, the dispatchers never got the information to police who were seconds away.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The charges of incompetence and making untrue representations remain in place and will be considered at the second hearing, now scheduled for July 23-24, 2026.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The reproduction of systemic racism occurs not simply through white denial but also through the promotion of cultural incompetency.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The District Attorney’s Office said a finding of incompetency does not dismiss the case or result in a defendant’s release, and that proceedings will resume if Mock is later deemed competent.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
