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.

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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“The student's inability to manage time resulted in last-minute panic before exams.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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