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Inability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inability

[ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

noun

Lack of ability to do something; incapacity

Synonyms

disability, incapability, incompetence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inability

Used to describe a lack of ability to do something, regardless of permanent or temporary limitations. It focuses on specific actions or skills.

  • Her inability to swim prevented her from enjoying the pool.
  • Despite his efforts, John’s inability to understand the concept was evident.
incapability

Often conveys a stronger or more formal sense than 'inability', suggesting complete lack of ability or fitness, sometimes in a specific area or role.

  • His incapability to manage the project was evident from the start.
  • The study revealed a high level of incapability among the participants to follow the complex instructions.
incompetence

Used to describe a lack of skill or ability to perform a task successfully. It often has a negative connotation and is typically used in professional or critical assessments.

  • The pilot was dismissed due to his incompetence in handling emergency situations.
  • Her incompetence in accounting led to numerous financial discrepancies.
disability

Refers to a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. It is usually a longer-term or permanent condition and can be used in more formal and clinical contexts.

  • She has a hearing disability and uses sign language to communicate.
  • The new building is completely accessible for people with disabilities.

Examples of usage

  • The patient's inability to walk was due to a severe injury.
  • His inability to concentrate was affecting his work performance.
  • She felt frustrated by her inability to express herself clearly.
Context #2 | Noun

noun

Lack of the power to perform physically demanding tasks

Synonyms

incapacity, infirmity, weakness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inability

Used when describing a lack of ability to do something. It highlights the absence of skill, power, or means.

  • Her inability to swim prevented her from joining the team.
  • The project failed due to his inability to meet deadlines.
weakness

Generally used to describe a lack of strength in a physical, mental, or emotional state. This term can be applied broadly and is less formal.

  • His weakness became apparent after just a few minutes of exercise.
  • Her weakness for chocolate often ruined her diet.
incapacity

Often used in formal or legal contexts to describe a state where someone is unable to perform functions, usually due to mental or physical reasons.

  • He was declared to have legal incapacity to make decisions on his own.
  • The accident left her with a temporary incapacity to walk.
infirmity

Primarily refers to physical or mental weakness, especially due to old age. It sounds slightly more formal.

  • Despite his infirmity, he remained mentally sharp.
  • She fought bravely against her infirmity.

Examples of usage

  • The athlete's inability to compete was disappointing for his fans.
  • Her inability to lift heavy objects limited her job options.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, inability can relate to cognitive disorders affecting decision-making or perceptions of one's skills.
  • Feeling inability can lead to lower self-esteem and anxiety, influencing how a person perceives their capabilities.
  • Therapies often focus on overcoming feelings of inability by enhancing skills and confidence.

Social Issues

  • Inability can be linked to accessibility challenges faced by people with disabilities, highlighting societal gaps.
  • Discussions around inability often intersect with topics of equity, emphasizing the need for support systems.
  • Awareness campaigns seek to change perceptions about inability to encourage inclusivity.

Education

  • In educational contexts, identifying areas of inability helps tailor teaching strategies to student needs.
  • Assessment tools are used to measure students' abilities, revealing where they may struggle.
  • Learning disabilities are recognized to address various forms of inability, ensuring all students receive support.

Origin of 'inability'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'inabilitas', meaning 'lack of power'.
  • It’s constructed from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'ability' from 'habilitas', meaning 'to be able'.
  • The concept of inability has existed for centuries, reflecting various human limitations.

The word 'inability' originated from the Latin word 'inabilitas', which means 'lack of ability'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The prefix 'in-' signifies 'not', while 'ability' comes from the Latin 'abilitas', meaning 'ability'. Over time, 'inability' has become a commonly used term to describe the lack or incapacity to perform certain tasks.

See also: ability, able, disable, enable, unable.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,740, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.