inability
/ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: inabilities
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Lack of the ability to do something; incapability.
Noun
Examples
[…] 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; […]
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Lack of the option to do something; powerlessness.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “inability” mean?
Lack of the ability to do something; incapability.
Is “inability” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.