Definition of 'inability'

Word Frequency

inability

(ɪnəbɪlɪti )

uncountable noun [usually NOUN to-infinitive, usually with poss]

If you refer to someone's inability to do something, you are referring to the fact that they are unable to do it.

Her inability to concentrate could cause an accident.

...the government's inability to provide basic services.

Synonyms: incapability, incompetence, inadequacy, impotence More Synonyms of inability

Video: pronunciation of 'inability'

Word Frequency

inability in British

(ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪtɪ )

noun

lack of ability or means; incapacity

Word Frequency

inability in American

(ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti ; inˌəbilˈitē)

noun

the quality or state of being unable; lack of ability, capacity, means, or power

Word origin of 'inability'

ME inabilite: see in-2 & ability

Example sentences containing 'inability'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

Both possess a complete inability to be gracious in defeat. The Sun (2016)His inability, or lack of time, to turn the big bucks into silverware cost him. The Sun (2016)But the inability of eurozone governments to get their acts together has understandably spooked investors. Times, Sunday Times (2011)But their apparent inability to work with some charities is staggering. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Since when was a total inability to hold a note an obstacle to becoming a pop star? Times, Sunday Times (2012)Pride can be a real cause of inability to face facts. Tondeur, Keith Say Goodbye to Debt (1994)The problem is the inability or unwillingness of the justice system to enforce the existing ones. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Britain continue to suffer an apparent inability to bounce back from disappointment. Times, Sunday Times (2013)She effectively got him off by testifying to his total inability to do such a thing. Times, Sunday Times (2010)But it also may result from inability or unwillingness to marry. Harris, Marvin Cultural Anthropology (1995)He has a total inability to understand military matters. Times, Sunday Times (2009)The most common cause of failure is inability or unwillingness to change with the demands of a new position. Peter F. Drucker THE ESSENTIAL DRUCKER (2001)His inability or unwillingness to admit that anything is wrong makes it nearly impossible for him to seek help. Vera Peiffer POSITIVE THINKING: Everything you have always known about positive thinking but were afraid to put into practice (2001)The one thing that the history of technology shows above all else is our complete inability to see what comes next. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Chances were at a premium in a cagey first half ruined by high winds and a total inability to mount dangerous attacks. The Sun (2014)There is a complete inability to issue debt, and asset pricing is under pressure. Times, Sunday Times (2007)My failure in this case wasn't my inability to complete the purchase. Kiam, Victor Going For It!: How to Succeed As an Entrepreneur (1986)Their politeness, reserve but total inability to hide their heartache and desperation is crushing. Times, Sunday Times (2015)But the larger problem was the government 's inability to raise the money needed to pay for the war. Times, Sunday Times (2009)He is aware of his side 's inability to keep a clean sheet at home in the first knockout phase. Times, Sunday Times (2016)You cannot expect central banks to be a substitute for an inability of governments to deal with problems facing the Euro area. Times, Sunday Times (2011)One of the many things I have taken from my mum is her complete inability to lie. The Sun (2010)I'm talking about their complete inability to know how to behave on holiday. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Some parents get involved because of their 16-year-olds' apparent inability to buckle down to such an extended piece of work. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Flood admits his side 's inability to close out games is a real concern but insists all that matters is getting England back on the winning track. The Sun (2008)

Trends of 'inability'

Very Common. inability is one of the 4000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Translations for 'inability'

British English: inability NOUN

If you refer to someone's inability to do something, you are referring to the fact that they are unable to do it.

Her inability to concentrate could cause an accident.

American English: inability
Brazilian Portuguese: inabilidade
Chinese: 无力
European Spanish: incapacidad
French: incapacité
German: Unfähigkeit
Italian: incapacità
Japanese: 不能
Korean: ~할 수 없음
European Portuguese: inabilidade
Spanish: incapacidad

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Nearby words of 'inability'

Source

Definition of inability from the Collins English Dictionary

Adjectives

Adjectives are used with nouns to make the meaning more specific. If you use the noun‘ bear’ it can mean any animal of that species. As soon as you say‘ a large, brown bear’ you have given two of its...