inability to finish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inability to finish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's lack of capacity or capability to complete a task or project. Example: "Her inability to finish the report on time affected the entire team's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My inability to finish things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These included his inability to finish a novel during the final 27 years of his life.

The New York Times - Books

Barcelona's troubles appear to stem from a sudden inability to finish scoring chances.

The New York Times - Sports

So what's the Fire's reward for mental lapses and the inability to finish good scoring chances?

The Guardian - Sport

(Her inability to finish a sentence is not as easily explained).

The New York Times

The broader issue as the playoffs arrive is the Giants' inability to finish big games.

The New York Times - Sports

Also concerning was Claudio Bieler and CJ Sapong's inability to finish opportunities.

The Guardian - Sport

They also seemed frustrated at their inability to finish games on a winning note.

The New York Times

His inability to finish off hitters got him in trouble right away.

The New York Times - Sports

Saturday's game in Tokyo also highlighted the Wallabies' inability to finish what they start.

The Guardian - Sport

In subsequent interviews, I was asked not only about Pamuk but about my inability to finish Pamuk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "inability to finish", ensure it's followed by a noun or gerund that specifies what could not be completed, for example, "inability to finish the project" or "inability to finish writing".

Common error

Avoid using "inability to finish" without specifying what is not being finished. Be specific; instead of just saying someone has an "inability to finish", clarify whether it's "inability to finish tasks", "inability to finish novels", or something else to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inability to finish" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a lack of capacity or capability to complete something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inability to finish" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of capacity or capability to complete something. As Ludwig AI validates, its neutral to formal tone makes it appropriate for diverse contexts. While common in News & Media and Sports, it's essential to follow it with a specific task or project to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "failure to complete" or "lack of completion" for subtle variations in meaning. Remember, clarity and context are key when discussing someone's "inability to finish".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure to complete

Focuses specifically on the lack of completion, emphasizing the act of not finishing.

failure to finalize

Highlights the failure to bring something to its final, polished state.

lack of completion

Directly points out the absence of a finished state.

incapacity to conclude

Emphasizes a lack of capacity or power to bring something to a close.

deficiency in completing

Suggests a lack of necessary quality or element needed to finish.

failure to execute

Focuses on not being able to perform or carry out the final steps.

incompleteness

Focuses on the state of not being whole or finished.

unaccomplishment

Highlights the absence of achievement or completion.

unfulfillment

Emphasizes the lack of satisfaction derived from not completing something.

abandonment of completion

Highlights the act of giving up on finishing something.

FAQs

How can I use "inability to finish" in a sentence?

You can use "inability to finish" to describe someone's lack of capacity to complete a task. For example: "His "inability to finish" the project on time caused delays" or "The team's "inability to finish" strong is a recurring problem".

What are some alternatives to "inability to finish"?

Alternatives include phrases like "failure to complete", "failure to finalize", or "lack of completion", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "inability to finish" or "failure to finish"?

Both "inability to finish" and "failure to finish" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Inability" emphasizes a lack of capacity, while "failure" emphasizes the unsuccessful outcome. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What causes an "inability to finish" tasks?

An "inability to finish" tasks can stem from various reasons, including poor time management, lack of motivation, perfectionism, fear of failure, or underlying issues like ADHD. Addressing these root causes can help improve completion rates.