Ability vs. Inability — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Ability and Inability
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Compare with Definitions
Ability
Possession of the means or skill to do something
The manager had lost his ability to motivate the players
Inability
The state of being unable to do something
His inability to accept new ideas
Ability
Talent, skill, or proficiency in a particular area
Pupils of all abilities
A man of exceptional ability
Inability
Lack of ability or means.
Ability
The quality of being able to do something, especially the physical, mental, financial, or legal power to accomplish something.
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Inability
Lack of the ability to do something; incapability.
Ability
A skill, talent, or capacity
A student of many abilities.
Inability
Lack of the option to do something; powerlessness.
Ability
The quality of being suitable for or receptive to a specified treatment
The ability of a computer to be configured for use as a file server. See Usage Note at able.
Inability
The quality or state of being unable; lack of ability; lack of sufficient power, strength, resources, or capacity.
It is not from an inability to discover what they ought to do, that men err in practice.
Ability
(obsolete) Suitableness.
Inability
Lack of ability (especially mental ability) to do something
Ability
(uncountable) The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.
This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly.
This wood has the ability to fight off insects, fungus, and mold for a considerable time.
Inability
Lacking the power to perform
Ability
The legal wherewithal to act.
Ability
Physical power.
Ability
(archaic) Financial ability.
Ability
(uncountable) A unique power of the mind; a faculty.
Ability
(countable) A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude.
They are persons of ability, who will go far in life.
She has an uncanny ability to defuse conflict.
A mixed-ability class
Ability
The quality or state of being able; power to perform, whether physical, moral, intellectual, conventional, or legal; capacity; skill or competence in doing; sufficiency of strength, skill, resources, etc.; - in the plural, faculty, talent.
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren.
Natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning by study.
The public men of England, with much of a peculiar kind of ability.
Ability
The quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
Ability
Possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done;
Danger heightened his powers of discrimination
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