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
However rebel groups remain a serious threat, Reuters reported, reflecting the Kremlin’s apparent inability to improve allies’ security situation.
—
Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Dec. 2025
But some are leaving Congress due to growing frustration with the job and an inability to get things done.
—Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025
Its unwillingness or inability to act in the face of the offensive brings home, more powerfully than anything else, just how much this branch of government has withered away in recent decades.
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
Poaching the Chiefs would be the culmination of an ambitious campaign by Kansas officials over the last year and a half to capitalize on Missouri’s inability to lock in a deal with the team.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Ben Smith, semafor.com, 26 Dec. 2025
But some are leaving Congress due to growing frustration with the job and an inability to get things done.
—Charlie Hunt, The Conversation, 26 Dec. 2025
Its unwillingness or inability to act in the face of the offensive brings home, more powerfully than anything else, just how much this branch of government has withered away in recent decades.
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
Poaching the Chiefs would be the culmination of an ambitious campaign by Kansas officials over the last year and a half to capitalize on Missouri’s inability to lock in a deal with the team.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inability. Accessed 1 Jan. 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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