inability
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Literacy was a critical focus for Parton, who has said she set up the Imagination Library because of her own father's inability to read, which "probably kept him from seeing all his dreams come true."
From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026
Mr. Statham, a not infrequently delightful actor whose main weakness is an inability to say no to mediocre projects, undertakes the usual heroic killing spree in “Mutiny,” a brief, reasonably compelling but shamelessly workmanlike feature.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
Finally, a catastrophic medical bill isn’t caused by a catastrophic event alone, but by high cost-sharing and, at an extremely vulnerable time, an inability to pay.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026
While issues persist across the park, from their profligacy in front of goal to their inability to penetrate organised defences, their continued defense lapses will undoubtedly be a growing cause for concern.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026
It was only the Widow Ashton’s inability to see objects clearly without her pince-nez that prevented her from spotting her daughter-in-law the moment she climbed out of her carriage.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
![]()
Researchers also found partners expressed feelings of high stress, a diminished sense of personal growth and worth, difficulties or inabilities within their caregiving roles, and a general sense of feeling unsupported.
From BBC ● Apr. 24, 2025
In April 2020, the Department of Transportation received over 17,000 complaints about inabilities to get refunds for flights, a more than 17,000-percent increase from just 98 in the same month in 2019.
From New York Times ● Jul. 6, 2021
Hewitt’s own inabilities aside, the actress can at least play the part.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 2018
But these inabilities do not exceed the corporeal: physical growth is not a metaphor for emotional growth.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 31, 2018
These inabilities then became the source of discomfort and of fear and this fear added greatly to the disturbance.
From Psychotherapy by Hugo Münsterberg
Vocabulary lists containing inability
Dealing with Dragons
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Ellen West" by Frank Bidart
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!