Word
inability
Phoneticsin·abil·i·ty
US/ˌɪnəˈbɪɫɪti/
UK/ɪnɐbˈɪlətˌi/
Definitions
01lack of skill or capacity
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the fact that you cannot do something because you do not have the skill, strength, or knowledge.
n. the state of lacking the inherent capacity or acquired skill required to perform a task. Often functions as a formal alternative to 'being unable'.
日本語:不能※
“His inability to speak French made it difficult for him to work in Paris.”
“The candidate's inability to articulate a clear economic vision during the debate significantly damaged his standing in the polls.”
Usage
Usually followed by 'to' + verb.
Pitfall
His inability of swimming was a problem.
His inability to swim was a problem.
The noun 'inability' is followed by a 'to-infinitive', not the preposition 'of'.
Teaching tip
While 'incapacity' is often medical or legal, 'inability' is the standard term for a general lack of power or skill.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02lack of power or option
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the state of not being able to act because of rules, laws, or a lack of power.
n. the lack of legal, political, or situational power to effect a change or take an action.
“The committee expressed frustration at their inability to change the law.”
“The central bank's inability to curb inflation through interest rate hikes alone led to calls for broader fiscal reform.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “inability” in context.
Verb
01. confess an inability
“He eventually confessed his inability to complete the project without further technical assistance.”
verb + noun
02. demonstrate an inability
“The candidate demonstrated a persistent inability to answer direct questions during the debate.”
verb + noun
03. stem from an inability
“Many of the team's internal conflicts stem from an inability to communicate effectively.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. apparent inability
“The government's apparent inability to control inflation has led to widespread public protests.”
adj + noun
05. perceived inability
“Investors were spooked by the CEO's perceived inability to handle the recent crisis.”
adj + noun
06. total inability
“The patient showed a total inability to recognize familiar faces following the accident.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. inability to cope
“Her sudden resignation was blamed on an inability to cope with the high-pressure environment.”
noun + infinitive
08. inability to pay
“The company filed for bankruptcy citing an inability to pay its mounting debts.”
noun + infinitive
Real-World Examples
“The key, I believe, is teaching students to distinguish AI’s pattern recognition skills from its inability to daydream, inhabit human perspectives and authentically express itself.” “The Romanovs’ photo albums humanize a family that fiercely protected their privacy at the cost of intense criticism over their perceived insularity and inability to relate to everyday Russians.” Etymology
From earlier inhability (“disqualification for office”), equivalent to in- + ability. Compare Middle French inhabilité, Medieval Latin inhabilitās.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/inability
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0