inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
his 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
Roberts pointed to the Dodgers’ inability to support Yamamoto with more than one run against 42-year-old Justin Verlander – on a solo home run by Michael Conforto in the seventh inning – as part of the problem.
—
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
An inability to consistently maintain focus at the plate, and too often in the field, as well.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Lopes is a very tough fighter, but his inability to stay technical will hurt him against the powerful Silva.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Boston’s ongoing inability to capitalize on such opportunities ensured fairly uneventful outcomes, though.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
An inability to consistently maintain focus at the plate, and too often in the field, as well.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Lopes is a very tough fighter, but his inability to stay technical will hurt him against the powerful Silva.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Boston’s ongoing inability to capitalize on such opportunities ensured fairly uneventful outcomes, though.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 2025.
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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