What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inability
Example
Due to his inability to swim, he never learned how to surf. [inability: noun]
Example
She was unable to complete the project due to her inability to focus. [inability: noun]
incapacity
Example
The patient's incapacity prevented him from returning to work. [incapacity: noun]
Example
The court declared the defendant's incapacity to stand trial. [incapacity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inability is more common than incapacity in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between inability and incapacity?
Incapacity is more formal than inability and is often used in legal or medical contexts.
