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inability — the state of being unable to do something; lack of ability or capacity

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the state of being unable to do something; lack of ability or capacity

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnəˈbɪləti/

Example Sentences

  • My inability to wake up early turned me into a professional snooze button athlete.
  • The company's inability to adapt to new technology led to its downfall.
  • His inability to lie made him the world's worst poker player but the most trusted friend.

inability

NOUN

[/ɪnəˈbɪləti/]

the state of being unable to do something; lack of ability or capacity

His inability to swim became dangerous when the boat overturned.
💡 Concept

His inability to swim became dangerous when the boat overturned.

The team’s inability to communicate clearly caused the mission to fail. (IN + ABILITY = INABILITY)
🧠 Mnemonic

The team’s inability to communicate clearly caused the mission to fail. (IN + ABILITY = INABILITY)

His inability to handle responsibility eventually destroyed the company’s stability.
🎵 Rhyme

His inability to handle responsibility eventually destroyed the company’s stability.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪnəˈbɪləti/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪnəˈbɪləti/

🌳Etymology

Prefixin--
Rootabil
Suffix--ity

Origin

The word derives from Latin habilis (skillful, apt), which forms the basis of ability (capacity or skill). The negation prefix in- is attached to ability to create inability, literally meaning the absence or lack of capacity.

Breakdown

in- (not, negation) + ability (from Latin habilis, skillful) + -ty (noun-forming suffix indicating state or condition).

🎵Rhyme

ability
stability
reliability
possibility

🔗Collocations

inability to concentrate
complete inability
inability to cope
physical inability
inability to understand
temporary inability

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My inability to wake up early turned me into a professional snooze button athlete.”

“The company's inability to adapt to new technology led to its downfall.”

😄 Fun example

“His inability to lie made him the world's worst poker player but the most trusted friend.”

“The student's inability to manage time resulted in last-minute panic before exams.”

📚Related Words

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