incapacity

noun

in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē How to pronounce incapacity (audio)
-ˈpa-stē
plural incapacities
: the quality or state of being incapable
especially : lack of physical or intellectual power or of natural or legal qualifications

Examples of incapacity in a Sentence

I'm aware of my weaknesses and incapacities. her entrenched incapacity for decision-making doesn't make her a very good boss
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2006, at the age of 30, I was diagnosed with a rare, progressive, genetic muscle wasting disease called Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopathy (or GNE Myopathy) that leads to tetraplegia, severe incapacity of one’s arms, legs, and torso. Cara Elizabeth Yar Khan, TIME, 3 Dec. 2024 The deal never happened, so in January 1996, Lutnick activated an incapacity committee that had been outlined in the partnership agreements. Dan Alexander, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 However, verification of political incapacity should not necessarily mean that the ward’s political voice is forever silenced. Eugene R. Schnitzler, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024 First, if Biden were to die in office (or have to relinquish the presidency because of incapacity under the 25th Amendment), Harris would become the incumbent president. Louis Jacobson, Austin American-Statesman, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for incapacity 

Word History

Etymology

French incapacité, from Middle French, from in- + capacité capacity

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incapacity was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near incapacity

Cite this Entry

“Incapacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapacity. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

incapacity

noun
in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpas-ət-ē How to pronounce incapacity (audio)
-ˈpas-tē
plural incapacities
: lack of ability or power

Legal Definition

incapacity

noun
in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē How to pronounce incapacity (audio)
plural incapacities
1
: the quality or state of being incapable
especially : lack of legal qualifications due to age or mental condition compare capacity
2
: the inability of an injured worker to perform the duties required in a job for which he or she is qualified compare disability sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on incapacity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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