disability, inability
这一对词都表示“无能”之意,但涵义有细微的差异。
disability: 着重表示“因受伤而变残废所引起的无能”(lacking ability caused by injury)或“因天生的缺陷而导致的无能”(inherent defect);用于法律方面,它表示“不够资格”、“不合格”(legal disqualification)之意。
- he has a disability pension because he lost his legs while he was in the army.
他领取伤残抚恤金,因为他在军队服役时失去了双腿。 - he was always cheerful in spite of his disability.
他虽然有残疾,但心情一直很愉快。
inability: 着重表示“缺少能力”或“缺乏手段”(lack of power or means)的意味。
- his inability to undertake the work is due to his physical disabilities.
他没有能力承担该工作,是由于他的残疾。 - can you account for your inability to pay the debt?
您能否解释无法偿债的原因吗?