as in incapability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the apparent inability of young children to sit still
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inability
Biser’s success at golf is remarkable considering the inability to use the right side of his body.
—
Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2025
In recent years, political observers say Democrats have struggled to reach broader audiences, the latest example being their inability to connect with middle-income voters in the 2024 presidential election.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 8 July 2025
Trump's constitutional inability to seek another presidential term creates an impending leadership vacuum within the party just as his signature legislation begins harming many of its most loyal voters.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
His decisions put on display the governor’s inability and unwillingness to effectively engage in policymaking or to champion an agenda of legislative priorities.
—Nick Gauthier, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2025
In recent years, political observers say Democrats have struggled to reach broader audiences, the latest example being their inability to connect with middle-income voters in the 2024 presidential election.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 8 July 2025
Trump's constitutional inability to seek another presidential term creates an impending leadership vacuum within the party just as his signature legislation begins harming many of its most loyal voters.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
His decisions put on display the governor’s inability and unwillingness to effectively engage in policymaking or to champion an agenda of legislative priorities.
—Nick Gauthier, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
Noun
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Alopecia is also believed to be related to vitamin D insufficiency.—
Veronica Cristino and Hannah Coates,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
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The pope was also diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and then mild renal insufficiency.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The resulting media circus of their incompetence distracts us from their behind-the-scenes actions that are fueling a growing health crisis impacting the very working-class communities that helped deliver Trump his second term.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
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Unlike paternalism — which presumes incompetence and justifies overriding someone’s autonomy — maternalism operates relationally, that is to say, it is rooted in relational awareness.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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If Black and Middlebrooks plan to make that challenge, their lawyers must file petitions alleging incompetency between May 27-29 for Black and between July 7-9 for Middlebrooks.—
Evan Mealins,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Mar. 2025
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Outside of your job, take time to strengthen your incompetency by undergoing extra training and courses, and attending events if necessary.—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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