inability
gb/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti/ us/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti/
B2
Inglês
~ 8400
Aceções
0 aceções
Nome
B2
state
1
lack of ability to do something
The state of not being able to do something that is needed or wanted.
Padrão de uso:
inability to [verb]
Erro comum:
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]".
Sinónimos
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.)
Antónimos
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.)
Colocações
inability to cope
|inability to pay
|inability to work
|complete inability
|continued inability
|apparent inability
Temas
abilities
|daily life
|health
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- The company’s failure was caused by its inability to adapt to new technology.
- Her inability to drive makes it hard for her to live in the countryside.
- 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.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- His inability to swim stopped him from going on the boat trip.
- My inability to speak French made the trip more difficult.
- 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.
Gramática
Forma de dicionário
inability
IPA
GB/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti/
US/ˌɪnəbˈɪlɪti/
Sílabas e acento
in - ab - il - ity (4 sílabas)
Stress on 3rd syllable (il)
Formas da palavra
Noun
- Base: inability
- Plural: inabilities, inability
Família de palavras
Expressões
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.
Exemplos
- 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.
Exemplos
- 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.
Exemplos
- 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.
Exemplos
- 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.
Exemplos
- 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.