inability

Inability is the state of lacking the power or means to perform a task or achieve a goal. It denotes a practical limitation rather than a moral fault or voluntary decision. Inability can be temporary or permanent and may result from physical illness, disability, cognitive impairment, environmental constraints, or other factors that restrict action.

Common forms include physical inability, such as movement limitations from injury; cognitive inability, including memory or decision-making impairments; sensory inability, such as blindness or deafness; and socio-economic inability, arising from lack of resources, time, or access. External barriers, including inaccessible infrastructure or policies, can also create or exacerbate inability.

In legal contexts, inability can affect capacity to contract, sue, or stand in court, and may lead to protective measures such as guardianship or limitations on rights. Policy discussions often treat inability as a signal for accommodation, accessibility, and support services designed to enable participation and reduce exclusion.

Etymology and related terms: inability derives from Latin incapibilitas through Old French inabilite, with related terms such as incapacity and impotence. In discussion, it is important to distinguish inability from unwillingness or incompetence, as the former describes lack of capability, while the latter concerns choice or judgment.