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

• impotence
• inability
• inadequacy
• incapability
• incompetence
• incompetency
• ineptitude
• insufficiency
• powerlessness

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

That autumn, the Kremlin, seemingly in agreement with the war correspondents about the incapacity of Russia’s military leadership, intervened in the military command structure and launched a round of mobilization that sent hundreds of thousands of new soldiers to the frontlines. —Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2024

Some readily agree and allow more flexibility for determining incapacity. —Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Their proposal includes allowing the College of Cardinals to oversee governance during a temporary incapacity and convening a medical commission to assess the pope's health. —Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025

The incapacity to proceed statute in North Carolina doesn’t expressly prevent applying it retroactively, Emry argues. —Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incapacity

• perspicacity
• pertinacity
• audacity
• capacity
• loquacity
• mendacity
• opacity
• pugnacity
• rapacity
• sagacity
• tenacity
• veracity

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