inability
C1Formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
The lack of the necessary skill, power, or means to do something.
A state of being unable; a general incapacity or unfitness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Focuses on inherent or permanent lack of capability, often stronger than 'difficulty' or 'struggle'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and spelling are identical. No significant differences.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in formal and academic contexts in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
inability + to-infinitive (e.g., inability to sleep)inability + of + NP + to-infinitive (e.g., inability of the government to act)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Achilles' heel (when referring to a specific disabling weakness)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Describes an organisation's failure to adapt or a manager's lack of necessary skills.
Academic
Used in critiques of theories or methodologies for their limitations.
Everyday
Often used to explain personal shortcomings or failures in simple tasks.
Technical
In medicine/psychology, describes specific dysfunctions (e.g., inability to metabolise).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A - 'inability' is a noun.
American English
- N/A - 'inability' is a noun.
adverb
British English
- He shook his head inability.
American English
- She shrugged inability.
adjective
British English
- Her inability stance was clear from the report.
American English
- The team's inability status was a major concern.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has an inability to swim.
- Her inability to focus was affecting her grades.
- The report criticised the council's inability to manage its budget effectively.
- The treaty's fatal flaw was its inability to enforce compliance among sovereign states.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN (not) + ABILITY. It's literally the state of NOT having an ability.
Conceptual Metaphor
INABILITY IS A BLOCKAGE / OBSTRUCTION (e.g., 'a roadblock to progress').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'неспособность' when a softer term like 'трудность' (difficulty) is more appropriate.
- Do not confuse with 'disability' (инвалидность).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'inability of doing' (correct: inability to do).
- Confusing with 'disability' (which is more specific and often physical).
Practice
Quiz
Which word is the closest antonym for 'inability' in a formal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it carries a negative connotation as it denotes a lack or failure.
It is typically used for a more inherent or persistent lack. For temporary states, words like 'difficulty' or 'incapacity' might be softer.
'Inability' is a general lack of power or skill. 'Disability' is a specific condition, often physical or mental, that limits a person's activities, and is a more formal/legal term.
The preposition 'to' is used, followed by the base form of a verb (infinitive), e.g., 'inability to speak'.
Explore