Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-A-BIL'I-TY, n. [Fr. inhabilité; L. inhabilis; in and habilis, Norm. hable, able.]

1. Want of sufficient physical power or strength; as, the inability of a man to raise an arm or a leg.
2. Want of adequate means; as, an inability to purchase a farm, or to fit out a ship.
3. Want of moral power. Moral inability is considered to be want of inclination, disposition or will, or a deep-rooted aversion to act, and therefore improperly so called. Moral inability aggravates our guilt. Scott.
4. Want of intellectual strength or force; as, an inability to comprehend a mathematical demonstration.
5. Want of knowledge or skill; as, an inability to read or write.