How to pronounce inability
Say it like in-uh-BIL-ih-tee. Inability has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BIL).
- in
- uh
- BIL
- ih
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inability pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of inability
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: in-uh-BIL-ih-tee.
What does inability mean?
- Lack of the ability to do something; incapability.
- Lack of the option to do something; powerlessness.
Where does inability come from?
From earlier inhability (“disqualification for office”), equivalent to in- + ability.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- unability
- unfitness
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with inability
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of inability.
- facility
- stability
- disability
- liability
- credibility
- visibility
- eligibility
- instability
- vulnerability
- humility
Questions about saying inability
How do you pronounce inability?
Say in-uh-BIL-ih-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/. In British English it is /ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inability?
Inability has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (BIL). Broken into parts: in · uh · BIL · ih · tee.
Is inability pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ (in-uh-BIL-ih-tee).