Inability — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē/ in·abil·i·ty

Meaning & Definition of Inability

Inability (noun)

  1. lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity

Inability (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means

    "the apparent inability of young children to sit still"

    similar: impotence, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude, insufficiency, powerlessness
    related: disqualification, inaptitude, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, inefficiency
    opposite: ability, adequacy, capability, capacity, competence, competency, potency
    near: aptitude, bent, endowment, flair, genius, gift, knack, talent, effectiveness, effectualness, efficaciousness, efficiency, fitness, suitability, suitableness, potency, power, puissance, sinew, strength

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Inability

The most common words with a similar meaning to Inability:

impotence, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude, insufficiency, powerlessness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Inability

Words with the opposite meaning of Inability:

ability, adequacy, capability, capacity, competence, competency, potency

Related Words for Inability

disqualification, inaptitude, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, inefficiency

Near Antonyms of Inability

aptitude, bent, endowment, flair, genius, gift, knack, talent, effectiveness, effectualness, efficaciousness, efficiency, fitness, suitability, suitableness, power, puissance, sinew, strength

Origin & Etymology of Inability

Middle English inhabilite disqualification, from Medieval Latin inhabilitas, from Latin in- + habilitas ability

First known use: 1500

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Inability

Frequently Asked Questions about Inability

What does "Inability" mean?

"Inability" means lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity. As a noun, it is defined as: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity.

What is another word for "Inability"?

Other words for "Inability" include impotence, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude and insufficiency. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Inability" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Inability"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Inability". Common alternatives include impotence, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, incompetency, ineptitude, insufficiency and powerlessness.

What is the opposite of "Inability"?

Antonyms of "Inability" include ability, adequacy, capability, capacity, competence, competency and potency. Near antonyms include aptitude, bent, endowment and flair.

How do you use "Inability" in a sentence?

Examples of "Inability" in a sentence: "the apparent inability of young children to sit still".

Is "Inability" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Inability" is a noun.

Is "Inability" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Inability" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Inability"?

"Inability" is pronounced /ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē/ and divided into syllables as in·abil·i·ty.