noun
inability
ih-nuh-BIH-lih-tee
noun
1
Not having the skill, power, or resources needed to do something.
"His inability to speak French made the trip to Paris more stressful."
"The company's inability to meet demand led to long delays."
How to Use Inability
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSimply not being able to do something.
Common pairings
inability to pay
inability to cope
inability to concentrate
Word Forms
inabilities plural
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His _____ to speak French made the trip to Paris more stressful.
Etymology
Originally inhability ("disqualification for office"), from in- plus ability, echoing Middle French inhabilité.