incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl 

1

: lacking capacity, ability, or qualification for the purpose or end in view: such as

a

: not able or fit for the doing or performance : incompetent

b

: not being in a state or of a kind to admit : insusceptible

c

archaic : not able to take in, hold, or keep

d

archaic : not receptive

2

: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) : disqualified

incapability

(ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

incapableness

(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs 

noun

incapably

(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• inapt
• incompetent
• inept
• inexpert
• unable
• unfit
• unfitted
• unqualified
• unskilled
• unskillful

Examples of incapable in a Sentence

hired a supremely incapable assistant who only made a mess of things

Recent Examples on the Web

It had initially been thought this was a sign of affection toward their owners, or a gift to their owner who is incapable of hunting themselves. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

After a search that included Doris Day (deemed not spontaneous enough) and Elizabeth Taylor (deemed incapable of singing), Gaynor was chosen. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024

The machines used to scan ballots at a voting precinct are incapable of having any Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio or network connection at all, according to Trowbridge. —Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024

The temporary-turned-permanent arrangement declared Britney was incapable of managing her financial affairs and making basic life decisions, but her workload over the following years would prove otherwise. —James Dinh, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from in- + capable capable

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl 

: not able to do something

incapable of cleaning her room thoroughly

incapability

(ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

Legal Definition

incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble

: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) see also incapacity