Which condition is characterized by an inability to write effectively?

The condition characterized by an inability to write effectively is agraphia. Agraphia involves a loss of the ability to communicate through writing, which can stem from various neurological conditions or injuries affecting the brain areas responsible for language and writing skills. This impairment can manifest as difficulty in forming letters, spelling, or organizing thoughts coherently on paper.

In neuropsychological terms, agraphia can be differentiated from other related disorders. For instance, while dysgraphia also involves writing difficulties, it specifically refers to issues with the physical act of writing or the motor skills necessary for writing, often seen in children or individuals with certain developmental disorders. Alexia pertains to difficulties in reading and not directly related to writing skills. Lastly, apraxia involves difficulties in motor planning and execution, but it is not specific to writing alone as it can affect various motor tasks.

Understanding these distinctions clarifies why agraphia is the correct choice in this context.