inability to perform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inability to perform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is unable to carry out a task or function, often in professional or medical settings. Example: "The patient's inability to perform daily activities has raised concerns among the healthcare team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Self-esteem suffers with the inability to perform simple tasks.

The New York Times - Health

There are justifications for Ballet Theater's inability to perform Tudor's ballets.

The New York Times - Arts

The United Nations has long since demonstrated its inability to perform this task.

The New York Times - Books

"In the past, Skype made affirmative promises to users about their inability to perform wiretaps," he said.

The Guardian

Later she would cry, feeling ill and frustrated at her inability to perform the steps as she would like.

The New York Times - Arts

More liberal definitions of disability require only the inability to perform the duties of one's usual occupation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since I, too, have an inability to perform with spiders on my face, I thought I wasn't cut out for it, either.

The New Yorker

From then on, Noel's inability to perform sexually will be among his distinguishing characteristics -- along with a corresponding talent for disaster.

The New York Times - Books

This variation on what is sometimes called a "noodlehead story" revolves around bumbling Epossumondas's inability to perform simple errands for his mama in a satisfactory way.

The New York Times - Books

An inability to perform a category of jobs should be evidence of disability, he suggested, rather than a category that proves disability by itself.

The New York Times

MI worry about my inability to perform better in exams.

Language Testing in Asia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance of "inability to perform", provide context by specifying the task or function that cannot be performed. For example, "inability to perform daily tasks".

Common error

Avoid using "inability to perform" without specifying what is being performed. This can make your writing vague and less informative. Instead of saying "the patient suffered from an inability to perform", specify "the patient suffered from an inability to perform basic self-care tasks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inability to perform" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of being incapable of carrying out a specific action or task. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across various domains, from medical conditions affecting daily activities to failures in professional performance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inability to perform" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a lack of capacity to execute a task. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and business contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When using this phrase, it's best to specify the task or function to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "failure to execute", "lack of capability to perform", and "cannot perform".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot perform

A more straightforward and simple way of expressing the inability to do something.

incapacity to execute

Replaces "inability" with "incapacity" and "perform" with "execute", both synonyms. Stresses a general lack of power or capacity.

failure to execute

Focuses on the negative outcome of not being able to carry out a task, replacing "inability" with "failure".

lack of capability to perform

Emphasizes the absence of the necessary skills or resources, replacing "inability" with "lack of capability".

deficiency in performing

Highlights a specific deficit in the act of performing, suitable when discussing areas of weakness.

poor performance

Indicates a substandard execution, implying a lack of skill or effectiveness.

underperformance

Suggests a failure to meet expected standards or targets, often in a professional or competitive setting.

incompetence

Directly states a lack of the necessary skills or qualities to perform a task adequately.

functional limitation

Emphasizes a restriction in the ability to carry out specific functions or activities, often due to a physical or mental condition.

restricted ability to function

Similar to functional limitation but broader, covering a wide range of activities and capabilities.

FAQs

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

Use "inability to perform" to describe a lack of capacity or skill to complete a task. For instance, "His "inability to perform" under pressure cost him the game."

What are some alternatives to "inability to perform"?

Alternatives include "failure to execute", "lack of capability to perform", or simply "cannot perform" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "inability to perform" or "failure to perform"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "inability to perform" focuses on the lack of capacity, while "failure to execute" emphasizes the unsuccessful outcome. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What does "inability to perform ADLs" mean?

"Inability to perform ADLs" refers to the inability to perform Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. It's a common term in healthcare and long-term care settings.