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

Pinfield, 63, had the incident in Los Angeles on Jan. 6 and is incapable of moving or making cognitive decisions, according to court documents obtained by the Asbury Park Press. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025

In addition to a heavy price tag, the renewable electricity sources being eyed to replace fossil fuel plants are incapable of meeting the basic 24/7 electricity demands of the Maryland economy. —Michelle Bloodworth, Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan. 2025

This chapter illuminates why Devalos Perkins, now 37, has been perpetually considered legally incapable of being put on trial. —Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025

And yet, Mann proved incapable of handling dissent. —The Editors, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025

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