inability to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inability to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's or an entity's lack of capacity or capability to acquire knowledge or skills. Example: "The student's inability to learn the material was concerning to the teacher, who sought additional resources to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The inability to learn from mistakes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As far as the officials are concerned, it demonstrates an inability to learn their lessons.

The Guardian - Sport

"Their inability to learn the language affects their education opportunities and, subsequently, their employment".

The New York Times

Mr Blofeld drove his enterprise into the ground because of his inability to learn from his mistakes.

The Economist

One of the odd features of the Democratic Party is its inability to learn what politics is about.

The New York Times

It confirms that the decision to undertake such a disastrous action showed "hubris, poor intelligence work, and determined inability to learn from experience".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Countless other algorithms could have been used as comparators; nonetheless, the commonality to many of those algorithms is their inability to robustly learn networks under the constraint of small sample size.

BMC Systems Biology

The most noticeable deficit is short term memory loss, which shows up as difficulty in remembering recently learned facts and inability to acquire new information.

Wikipedia

Whether due to reluctance or an inability to read, it remains a barrier to their learning.

The Guardian

One of the reasons for the failure to implement change is the inability of government to learn from earlier attempts at reform.

The Guardian

In its report, which was released Tuesday, the commission found that Justice Cerbone's "apparent inability or unwillingness to learn from his past mistakes, to recognize misconduct and to adhere to the high ethical standards required of judges demonstrates that he is unfit to serve as a judge".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "inability to learn", be specific about the context. For instance, clarify whether it pertains to a specific skill, subject matter, or general cognitive function. This specificity increases clarity and avoids broad generalizations.

Common error

Avoid attributing the "inability to learn" to a single cause without proper assessment. Learning difficulties often stem from a combination of factors, including environmental influences, teaching methods, and underlying cognitive conditions. A comprehensive approach is essential to understanding the problem effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inability to learn" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a condition or characteristic. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Huffington Post

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Independent

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inability to learn" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a deficit in acquiring knowledge or skills. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, although specificity is key when discussing its causes and implications. The phrase appears most often in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources, with its primary purpose being to describe and identify learning deficits. While generally neutral in tone, its formal or technical synonyms might be preferred in specialized settings. Alternatives such as "learning disability" or "difficulty learning" can provide nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulty learning

Highlights the struggle experienced during the learning process.

learning disability

Focuses on a specific condition affecting learning.

struggle to acquire knowledge

Emphasizes the effort required without successful knowledge acquisition.

learning impediment

Describes something that obstructs or hinders learning.

difficulty retaining information

Focuses on the inability to remember what has been taught.

failure to grasp

Emphasizes a lack of understanding or comprehension.

lack of understanding

Highlights a deficiency in comprehension rather than the learning process itself.

cognitive impairment

Refers to a broader range of mental deficiencies that might impact learning.

cognitive deficit

A more technical term for a deficiency in mental processes.

intellectual disability

A global deficit in intellectual functioning, which encompasses learning.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "inability to learn"?

You can use phrases like "learning disability", "difficulty learning", or "failure to grasp" depending on the specific context.

Is "inability to learn" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "inability to learn" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more technical terms might be preferred in academic or medical settings.

What causes an "inability to learn"?

An "inability to learn" can stem from various factors, including neurological conditions, learning disabilities, lack of proper instruction, or environmental influences. A comprehensive assessment is typically needed to determine the underlying causes.

How does "inability to learn" differ from "unwillingness to learn"?

"Inability to learn" refers to a genuine lack of capacity or cognitive function that hinders learning, while "unwillingness to learn" implies a lack of motivation or resistance to engaging in the learning process. The former is a matter of capability, the latter a matter of choice.