inability
gb/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti/ us/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti/
B2
English
~ 8400
képtelenség
NOUN
B2
1
képtelenség
B2
Usage pattern:
inability to [verb]
The company’s failure was caused by its inability to adapt to new technology.
A cég bukását az okozta, hogy képtelen volt alkalmazkodni az új technológiához.
Her inability to drive makes it hard for her to live in the countryside.
Az, hogy nem tud vezetni, megnehezíti számára a vidéki életet.
The report highlights the government’s inability to protect vulnerable people.
His sudden inability to speak clearly was a sign of a medical emergency.
Their inability to pay the rent led to serious financial problems.
Learner examples
His inability to swim stopped him from going on the boat trip.
Az, hogy nem tud úszni, megakadályozta abban, hogy elmenjen a hajókirándulásra.
My inability to speak French made the trip more difficult.
Az, hogy nem beszéltem franciául, megnehezítette az utazást.
Their inability to pay the bill caused a problem at the restaurant.
Her inability to sleep well makes her very tired at work.
The team lost because of their inability to work together.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"unability"* instead of "inability"; "unability" is incorrect. They may also confuse "inability" with "disability". "Inability" is general and can be temporary (e.g., an inability to concentrate today), while "disability" usually refers to a long-term physical or mental condition. Another mistake is saying *"inability for do"*; the correct pattern is "inability to do [something]".
Meaning
lack of ability to do something
Collocations
inability to cope
|inability to pay
|inability to work
|complete inability
|continued inability
|apparent inability
Synonyms
lack of ability (Plain descriptive phrase; slightly more informal and conversational.)
|
incapacity (More formal; often used in legal, medical, or official contexts.)
|
powerlessness (Emphasizes feeling weak or unable to act, often with an emotional tone.)
Antonyms
ability (General opposite, meaning the power or skill to do something.)
|
competence (Opposite in the sense of having the necessary skill to do something well.)
|
capacity (Opposite in the sense of having the required power or potential to do something.)
Themes
abilities
|daily life
|health
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The state of not being able to do something that is needed or wanted.
The state of not having the necessary power, skill, or means to do something.
Grammar
Dictionary form
inability
IPA
GB/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti/
US/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti/
Syllables & stress
in - ab - il - ity (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (il)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: inability
- Plural: inabilities, inability
Word family
Expressions
inability to cope
1/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti tə kˈoʊp/
fixed phrase
not being able to handle problems
Not being able to deal with stress, problems, or a difficult situation.
Examples
- Her inability to cope after the accident led her to seek professional help.
- The study looked at students’ inability to cope with exam pressure.
inability to pay
1/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti tə pˈeɪ/
fixed phrase
not being able to pay money owed
Not having the money or financial resources to pay a bill, debt, or cost.
Examples
- Their inability to pay the loan resulted in the bank taking their car.
- The landlord agreed to discuss a plan because of the tenant’s temporary inability to pay.
inability to perform
1/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti tə pɚfˈɔɹm/
fixed phrase
formal
not being able to do a required task
Not being able to do a job, duty, or action that is expected or required.
Examples
- The contract may be ended in the event of the worker’s inability to perform their duties.
- His inability to perform simple tasks worried his family and doctor.
inability to speak
1/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti tə spˈik/
fixed phrase
not being able to talk
Not being able to talk, often because of a medical problem or extreme emotion.
Examples
- His sudden inability to speak clearly was treated as an emergency.
- After the shock, she felt an inability to speak for several minutes.
inability to work
1/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti tə wˈɚk/
fixed phrase
not being able to do a job
Not being able to do regular work, often because of illness, injury, or another serious reason.
Examples
- His long-term inability to work meant the family had to live on her salary.
- The insurance covers loss of income due to inability to work after an accident.