inability

USAGE SUMMARY

"inability" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the lack of ability to do something. For example: "His physical disability caused an inability to walk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the north's economic problems do not stem from a lack of tech-startups or an inability to cross the Pennines at lightning-quick speed; they are borne of successive crises of capitalism, each of which leaving behind their own uncompromising legacy.

The Guardian

However, their leader, Gerry Adams, has thus far performed poorly on television and radio, showing an inability to answer detailed questions about the republic's economy.

The Guardian

Delayed discharges – the inability to get patients out, usually because social care arrangements locally are inadequate – are running at record levels.

The Guardian

Prosecutor Karim Khalil QC told the jury: "For reasons known only to him but which may well be rooted in the pressures of home life and his own inability to cope with the change in his circumstances, he took hold of his own baby, he bit her on the head, he struck her repeatedly and he shook her hard.

The Guardian

While the Tories will be pleased by the narrowing of the gap with Labour, the party's inability to push its own tally up higher to a point where it could entertain the prospect of an overall Commons majority will be a worry, particularly after a rush of good economic news.

The Guardian

His report is now at least five years later than anyone imagined possible and as he meandered on – "It's been very difficult" – it gradually dawned on the committee that part of the delay was down to Chilcot's inability to use one word when several thousand would do.

The Guardian

She is an energetic anti-poverty campaigner, infuriated by the media's vicious attacks on "benefit scroungers" and the inability of politicians and policymakers to comprehend the slender margins of breadline life.

The Guardian

The inability of Ebola-affected countries to single-handedly absorb the economic costs has led to high-level requests to the International Monetary Fund to cancel their debt.

The Guardian

In some hospitals an inability to diagnose the patient's illness or get a full picture of their condition, because X-rays or CT or MRI scans are not available 24/7, can also be a problem.

The Guardian

Lumb eventually went for 36, when he was stumped by India's captain, MS Dhoni, and, despite the late blows from Buttler and Moeen, the start that the openers had provided was again squandered because of England's inability to score against the spinners.

The Guardian - Sport

Beyond the pain and trauma caused by breast ironing, an extensive study conducted by the German cooperation agency, GTZ, showed that there are a serious number of physical and mental health implications: the most serious include an elevated cancer risk, the inability to produce breast-milk, and psychological problems.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inability", ensure the context clearly defines what specific action or capability is lacking to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "inability" without specifying the area of deficiency. For example, instead of saying "his inability was evident", specify "his inability to manage the project was evident."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inability" is as a noun, typically functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a state or condition of not being able to perform a specific action or task. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "inability" is a common noun used to describe the lack of capacity to do something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific discussions, and formal business settings. When using "inability", it's best to specify the area of deficiency to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "lack of ability", "incapacity", and "failure to perform". By understanding its proper usage and context, you can effectively communicate limitations and challenges in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of ability

Focuses on the absence of a general capacity.

incapacity

Implies a formal or legal disqualification.

lack of competence

Highlights a deficiency in required skills.

deficiency

Emphasizes a lack or shortage.

failure to perform

Highlights the failed outcome of an attempt.

unfitness

Indicates a lack of suitability or qualification.

incompetence

Stresses a general lack of skill or effectiveness.

helplessness

Focuses on being unable to act independently.

powerlessness

Emphasizes a lack of control or influence.

disqualification

Implies being formally prevented from doing something.

FAQs

How to use "inability" in a sentence?

You can use "inability" to describe a lack of capacity or skill. For instance, "The patient's "inability to walk" was due to the injury".

What can I say instead of "inability"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of ability", "incapacity", or "failure to perform depending on the context.

Which is correct, "inability" or "unability"?

"Inability" is the correct term. "Unability" is not a standard English word and should not be used.

What's the difference between "inability" and "disability"?

"Inability" refers to the lack of capacity to do something, while "disability" typically refers to a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. Therefore, disability can be the CAUSE of inability.