inability

Everyday

Not being able to do something; a lack of skill, power or means. tree →

In the lessons

In formal writing and exams: «his inability to swim», «an inability to pay». In stories and health it describes a problem a person has. Phrase: an inability to + verb.

Examples

• His inability to swim kept him out of the boat. tree →
• The baby's inability to talk made her cry. tree →
• Her inability to sleep made her tired. tree →
• The shop closed because of its inability to pay the rent. tree →
• An inability to see colours is called colour blindness. tree →
• His inability to say sorry made things worse. tree →
• The Fox on her return, discovered what had happened, but was less grieved for the death of her young than for her inability to avenge them. tree →

Note

Followed by «to + verb». Not used with «at». Opposite: ability. Do not confuse with «disability», which means a long-term condition affecting the body or mind.