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incapacity
noun
in·ca·pac·i·ty
ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē
-ˈpa-stē
plural incapacities
: the quality or state of being incapable
especially
: lack of physical or intellectual power or of natural or legal qualifications
Synonyms
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
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
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Word History
Etymology
French incapacité, from Middle French, from in- + capacité capacity
First Known Use
1611, in the meaning defined above
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
-ˈpas-tē
plural incapacities
: lack of ability or power
Legal Definition
incapacity
noun
in·ca·pac·i·ty
ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē
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
Nglish: Translation of incapacity for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of incapacity for Arabic Speakers
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