noun
Common
inability
ih-nuh-BIH-lih-tee
Inability (noun) means not having the skill, power, or resources needed to do something. Example: “Her inability to swim kept her from joining the boat trip.”
noun
1
Not having the skill, power, or resources needed to do something.
"Her inability to swim kept her from joining the boat trip."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- inabilities
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Her _____ to swim kept her from joining the boat trip.
Etymology
Originally inhability ("disqualification for office"), from in- plus ability, echoing Middle French inhabilité.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for inability
See all rhymes for inability →Frequently asked questions
What does “inability” mean?
The word “inability” means not having the skill, power, or resources needed to do something. In plain terms, simply not being able to do something.
How do you pronounce “inability”?
“Inability” is pronounced ih-nuh-BIH-lih-tee (/ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “inability” in a sentence?
Here is “inability” used in a sentence: “His inability to speak French made the trip to Paris more stressful.”
What is another word for “inability”?
Words with a similar meaning to “inability” include unability.
What part of speech is “inability”?
“Inability” is a noun.
Where does the word “inability” come from?
The word “inability” comes from Middle French. Originally inhability ("disqualification for office"), from in- plus ability, echoing Middle French inhabilité.
Is “inability” a common word?
“Inability” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "inability" and "disability"?
"Inability" is a general lack of the skill, power, or resources needed to do something, and it can be temporary or specific to one task. "Disability" refers to a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. A disability may cause an inability to do certain things, but most inabilities are not disabilities.
When should you use "inability" instead of "incapacity"?
"Inability" is the everyday word for simply not being able to do something and fits most contexts. "Incapacity" is more formal and often carries a legal or medical sense, such as being unable to manage one's own affairs. Choose "inability" for ordinary situations and "incapacity" for formal, legal, or clinical writing.
What preposition follows "inability"?
"Inability" is almost always followed by "to" plus a verb, as in "his inability to concentrate." It is not normally followed by "of" or "for." The pattern "inability to do something" is the standard collocation.
Is "unability" a correct alternative to "inability"?
No. Although "unability" is sometimes seen informally, "inability" is the standard and accepted noun in English. Use "inability" in all formal and everyday writing.
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