inability

noun

in-uh-BIL-i-tee/ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/

Pluralinabilities

2 meanings of inability

Practice

1
nouncountable or uncountable
The lack of the ability to do something; the condition of being incapable.
The team's inability to communicate clearly led to repeated mistakes on the project.
Despite years of lessons, his inability to carry a tune never improved.
Similarincapacity, incompetence, ineptitude, failure, incapability
Oppositeability, capability, capacity, competence
2
nouncountable or uncountable
The lack of any option or power to do something; the condition of being powerless.
Renters often resent their inability to make permanent changes to an apartment they pay for.
The committee's inability to overturn the ruling left its members deeply frustrated.
Similarpowerlessness, impotence, helplessness, incapacity
Oppositepower, ability, freedom

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Origin

From earlier "inhability" (meaning disqualification for office), equivalent to "in-" plus "ability." Compare Middle French "inhabilité" and Medieval Latin "inhabilitās."