C1nounformalpsychologysociety
US/ˌɪn.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
UK/ˌɪn.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
the fact of not being able to do something
In context
His inability to say no got him into a lot of trouble.
The report blames the failure on the government's inability to act quickly.
Her inability to concentrate made studying very difficult.
Words that go with inability
noun + preposition
- inability to payHis inability to pay the rent led to eviction.
- inability to copeShe was worried about her inability to cope with stress.
- inability to concentrateTiredness causes an inability to concentrate.
- inability to decideHis inability to decide frustrated everyone.
adjective + noun
- apparent inabilityThe coach criticized the team's apparent inability to score.
- complete inabilityHe showed a complete inability to listen.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
his inability of speakingCorrect: his inability to speak