capable

adjective

ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl 

 in rapid speech  ˈkāp-bəl

1

: susceptible

a remark capable of being misunderstood

2

obsolete : comprehensive

3

: having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment

is capable of intense concentration

4

: having traits conducive to or features permitting something

this woman is capable of murder by violence

—Robert Graves

5

: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform

of my land … to make thee capable

—Shakespeare

6

: having or showing general efficiency and ability

a capable lawyer

a capable performance

capableness

ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs 

noun

capably

ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• able
• competent
• equal
• fit
• good
• qualified
• suitable

Examples of capable in a Sentence

a capable and efficient editor

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Amazon, Nova Act is capable of booking trips, completing online purchases and managing calendars and to-do lists. —Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Her trust in the public’s intelligence—her belief that people are capable of engaging with complexity—is rare and deeply meaningful. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025

The Houthis have surface-to-air missiles — such as the Iranian missile known as the 358 — capable of downing aircraft. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025

For a manager whose offensive principles are so focused around preventing opposition counter-attacks, the past 12 days ought to serve as a reminder to Mikel Arteta that his Arsenal side are capable of being devastating in transition themselves. —Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis, irregular from Latin capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for capable

• incapable
• inescapable

Kids Definition

capable

adjective

ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl 

1

: having the qualities (as physical or mental power) to do or accomplish something

you are capable of better work

2

: having qualities or features permitting

a new train capable of very high speeds

3

: able to do one's job well : generally efficient

tries to hire capable people

capability

ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

capably

ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb