disability,inability
這一對詞都表示“無能”之意,但涵義有細微的差異。
Disability著重表示“因受傷而變殘廢所引起的無能”(lacking ability caused by injury)或“因天生的缺陷而導致的無能”(inherent defect);用于法律方面,它表示“不夠資格”、“不合格”(legal disqualification)之意。例:
He has a disability pension because he lost his legs while he was in the army.
他領取傷殘撫恤金,因為他在軍隊服役時失去了雙腿。
He was always cheerful in spite of his disability.
他雖然有殘疾(殘廢),但心情一直很愉快。
Inability 著重表示“缺少能力”或“缺乏手段”(lack of power or means)的意味。如:
His inability to undertake the work is due to his physical disabilities.
他沒有能力承擔該工作,是由于他的殘疾。
Can you account for your inability to pay the debt?
您能否解釋無法償債的原因嗎?