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
Immigrants often arrive with the promise of a road to citizenship, a financial debt stemming from their travel, and an inability to pay it.
—
Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
The state canceled at least seven visits for the kids with their parents, citing an inability to schedule transportation.
—Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
The league faced numerous challenges, including attendance issues and the inability to plant flags in big markets to attract television dollars.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2026
An inability to make shots was the primary reason for the 10-point loss, according to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
The state canceled at least seven visits for the kids with their parents, citing an inability to schedule transportation.
—Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
The league faced numerous challenges, including attendance issues and the inability to plant flags in big markets to attract television dollars.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2026
An inability to make shots was the primary reason for the 10-point loss, according to Mavericks coach Jason Kidd.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 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
-
Advertisement Certain people are at an elevated risk for developing vitamin D insufficiency all year long.—
Stacey Colino,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Trump has attributed bruising on his hands to his heavy intake of aspirin to thin his blood and swollen ankles to chronic venous insufficiency.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Early coverage of the war leaned on simplified frames, including Russian incompetence, imminent victory and decisive turning points.—
Charles Edward Gehrke,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
This ethic has been especially true in the renowned Sports section, which was killed in a Zoom announcement notable for its belly-wriggling cowardice and self-owning incompetence.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Maybe that data suggests incompetency in the sporting director role.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
