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Unavailability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unavailability

[ˌʌnəˌveɪləˈbɪləti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in business

The state of not being available or accessible; the quality of not being able to be used or obtained.

Synonyms

inaccessibility, non-availability, unaccessibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unavailability

When someone or something is not present or not able to be used at a particular time.

  • Her unavailability for the meeting was noted by her colleagues.
  • Due to unavailability of the product, the store will offer a substitute.
unaccessibility

Less common synonym of inaccessibility, often used informally or in specific technical contexts.

  • The unaccessibility of the website frustrated many users.
  • Unaccessibility of the emergency exits is a serious safety concern.
inaccessibility

Describes a situation where something cannot be reached or accessed, often due to physical barriers or restrictions.

  • The inaccessibility of remote villages makes it hard to deliver supplies.
  • Inaccessibility to online resources can be a significant barrier for students.
non-availability

Formal context often used in official documentation or reports indicating that something is not available.

  • The non-availability of critical resources caused a delay in the project.
  • Non-availability of medical facilities in rural areas needs to be addressed.

Examples of usage

  • Due to the unavailability of the product, customers had to look for alternative options.
  • The unavailability of the manager caused delays in decision-making.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The state of not being present or ready for use when needed.

Synonyms

absence, nonappearance, nonattendance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unavailability

Used when someone or something is not able to be accessed or used. Often applies to resources, services or people who cannot be reached.

  • The unavailability of the internet made it difficult to work from home.
  • Due to her unavailability, we had to reschedule the meeting.
absence

Refers to the state of someone or something being away or not present, often noticed in a setting where their presence is expected.

  • His absence from the class was noted by the teacher.
  • The absence of noise was surprising in the busy city.
nonappearance

Used when someone fails to show up for an event or appointment where their presence was expected. Often implies a formal setting.

  • The nonappearance of the witness delayed the trial.
  • Her nonappearance at the conference was unexpected.
nonattendance

Refers to not attending an event, meeting, or place where attendance is expected or required. Often used in formal contexts like schools or workplaces.

  • Nonattendance at multiple classes can affect your grades.
  • His constant nonattendance led to his termination.

Examples of usage

  • The unavailability of the key witness led to the dismissal of the case.
  • Her unavailability during the meeting was a cause for concern.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling a sense of unavailability can create anxiety, often linked to attachment theory where individuals fear losing connections.
  • The human brain processes unavailability in relationships similarly to physical pain, highlighting the emotional impact of absence.
  • Research indicates that perceived unavailability in social relationships can lead to lower self-esteem and increased feelings of loneliness.

Pop Culture

  • In social media culture, unavailability can be a popular theme, often depicted in songs and movies about longing or distance.
  • Characters in films often experience unavailability, representing inner conflict and desire, leading to intriguing plot twists.
  • The ‘On/Off’ availability trope is common in romantic comedies, showcasing characters who struggle with commitment.

Technology

  • In IT networks, unavailability signifies downtime, which can have critical consequences for businesses reliant on online services.
  • Software applications often handle user unavailability through notifications or scheduling features to manage communication effectively.
  • The concept of an 'unavailable' product in e-commerce can create scarcity, often increasing consumer desire through marketing strategies.

Literature

  • The theme of unavailability frequently appears in classic literature, reflecting characters’ struggles with love and connection.
  • Modern novels might explore the concept of unavailability through digital communication, highlighting how technology can disconnect people.
  • Poets often symbolize unavailability as a metaphor for unattainable dreams or distant love, enriching emotional depth in their works.

Origin of 'unavailability'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is formed from 'un-' (meaning not) and 'availability,' which comes from the Latin word 'valere' meaning 'to be strong or worthy.'
  • The prefix 'un-' has roots in Old English, showing its long history in the language.
  • The concept of availability itself originates from the notion of being at hand or ready for use since the late 14th century.

The word 'unavailability' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'availability' which comes from the Latin word 'disponibilis', meaning 'at one's disposal'. The term has been in use since the late 19th century to describe the state of not being accessible or ready for use.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,805, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.