Skip to main content
inapplicability

inapplicability

1 8.4
The state of not being suitable or useful in a particular situation
  • noun
  • /ˌɪnəˌplɪkəˈbɪləti/
translation icon : inaplicabilidad
  • The shortcomings of the core theories and their particular inapplicability to the reality of developing countries limit their usefulness.

And remember too, the laws are not supposed to have any sort of, you might say areas of inapplicability or exceptions.

Examples

  • The inapplicability of the old rules to modern technology poses serious challenges for businesses.

  • It's also disturbing to hear people mention the supposed obsolescence or inapplicability of the constitution—it’s the cornerstone of our freedom!

    Blog text (33)
  • And remember too, the laws are not supposed to have any sort of, you might say areas of inapplicability or exceptions.

  • In thinking about the meaning of postmodern values shift, the inapplicability of the 18th century.

    Academic text (2011)
  • That inapplicability, according to PCF, would allow it to present evidence disputing the existence or cause of the patient's injury.

    Blog text (1)
  • I think the cleanest way to see the effect of that difference is the inapplicability of character and willpower once there was a biological antecedent.

    Blog text (20)
  • Thus, writers like Fuad Ajami have rushed to explain the present condition as a result of the inapplicability of the Arab nationalist idea to the existing Arab situation.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Where appropriate, states the comment, "The lawyer should inform unrepresented parties of the important differences between the lawyer's role as third-party neutral and a lawyer's role as a client representative, including the inapplicability of the attorney-client evidentiary privilege."

    Academic text (2002)
  • She highlighted the inapplicability of certain laws when discussing the new regulations.

  • Understanding the inapplicability of outdated practices can help organizations adapt to change.

Synonyms

irrelevance
vsinapplicability
10 5.3

Something not related to the main topic

is about not fitting or bearing on that particular matter
irrelevancy
vsinapplicability
5 6.6

Something not connected to the main topic

is focused on not fitting or bearing on that specific case
unsuitability
vsinapplicability
1 5.5

A state in which something is not right for a particular use or situation

emphasizes not bearing on this matter instead of merely poor match
unrelatedness
vsinapplicability
7.6

A lack of connection between things

focuses on not fitting this matter rather than general disconnect
extraneousness
vsinapplicability
9.9

The fact of not being related or important to the main point

is about not fitting the matter rather than being unnecessary or extra
immateriality
vsinapplicability
9.7

Not important to the subject or discussion

is a neutral lack of fit to the matter without added judgment
inappositeness
vsinapplicability
9.9

The state of not being suitable for a situation or purpose

points to lack of bearing on the matter rather than a poor fit
inaptness
vsinapplicability
  • Formal
9.1

Not suitable or right for a situation

is about not bearing on this matter rather than general poor fitness
unsuitableness
vsinapplicability
7.4

The state of not being right for a use or situation

marks lack of bearing on the matter rather than a plain poor match

Antonyms

118 3.4

A close connection to what is being discussed

How relevant or suitable something is for a particular use

How Applicable

relevance
118 3.4
suitability
8 3.2
inapplicability
1 8.4
irrelevance
10 5.3

Surface Forms

Morphology

inapplicability = inapplicable (semi-transparent) = in + applic + able + ity

This is a standard noun formation from the adjective 'inapplicable' meaning the state or quality of being inapplicable.

Etymology

Inapplicability breaks into in- meaning 'not', apply meaning 'to put to use' as in the verb 'apply', and -ity meaning 'a state'. So, inapplicability is the 'state of not being able to be used' or simply 'not relevant'.