inability
n. US //ˌɪnəˈbɪɫɪti// UK //ɪnɐbˈɪlətˌi// in·abil·i·ty
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1 lack of power or option (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe fact that you cannot do something because the situation or the law prevents you.
the state of being prevented from acting due to external circumstances, legal constraints, or lack of authority.
ExampleThe manager expressed his inability to change the company policy.
ExampleThe department's inability to provide the requested documents was cited as a primary reason for the delay in the judicial review.
- powerlessness
- helplessness
From earlier inhability (“disqualification for office”), equivalent to in- + ability. Compare Middle French inhabilité, Medieval Latin inhabilitās.