Inability Meaning
/ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounLack of the ability to do something; incapability.
nounLack of the option to do something; powerlessness.
Sentence Examples
I am impatient with his inability to make decisions.
I was surprised at her inability to do things promptly.
The government’s inability to provide basic services
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ to read simple words showed he had a learning disorder.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His total ____ to remember names often led to awkward social situations at large parties.
Word Origin & History
From earlier inhability (“disqualification for office”), equivalent to in- + ability. Compare Middle French inhabilité, Medieval Latin inhabilitās.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[…] tho' theſe ſeem'd to be very unfit Inſtruments for compaſſing of that great Deſign for which they were then employ'd, becauſe of their Inability and Uncapacity in performing the Work ſo very great and important; […]"
— 1720, John Shaw, “Of Religion”, in The Fundamental Doctrines of the Church of England, […], volume I, London: […] George Strahan, […] William Mears, […], page 36:
"The Premier League leaders did what many people thought was beyond them in their last European excursion, at the home of Borussia Dortmund, and they made light work of overcoming Marseille on a night when the one-sidedness was not reflected by their inability to add to Jack Wilshere's two goals."
— 2013 November 26, Daniel Taylor, “Jack Wilshere scores twice to ease Arsenal to victory over Marseille”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 14 Oct 2019:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His ____ to read simple words showed he had a learning disorder.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His total ____ to remember names often led to awkward social situations at large parties.