American English

How to pronounce inability

nounB1
ihnuhBIHlihdee

/ˌɪ.nəˈbɪ.lɪ.ɾi/

5 syllables · Stress the third syllable.

The lack of the skill, strength, or chance needed to do something.

What to listen for

In American English, the middle t in “inability” is often very quick, so it may sound a little like a quick d.

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

noun

The lack of the skill, strength, or chance needed to do something.

Her inability to concentrate made studying difficult.

The team's inability to score cost them the game.

Common phrases & grammar

inability to pay · inability to communicate · inability to concentrate · complete inability

inability to + verb

someone's inability to + verb

Related words & forms