incapacity

[ in-kuh-pas-i-tee ]

noun

1. lack of ability, qualification, or strength; incapability.
2. Law. lack of the legal power to act in a specified way or ways.

incapacity

/ ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of power, strength, or capacity; inability
2. law
   1. legal disqualification or ineligibility
   2. a circumstance causing this

Word History and Origins

Origin of incapacity¹

From the Late Latin word incapācitās, dating back to 1605–15. See in- ³, capacity

Example Sentences

In addition, risk assessment and incapacity evaluation tools are controversial and primarily target marginalized and racialized people.

From Salon

She said a wider roll out would form part of her drive to shrink the UK's annual disability and incapacity benefits bill.

From BBC

In retrospect, it's clear that they were looking to confirm the rumors of his alleged incapacity, which he ended up confirming on his own in a debate that his team pushed for.

From Salon

Expectations before the concession were “the worst possible,” said Mario Moscatelli, a biologist and expert in coastal ecosystems, and longtime critic of the state’s incapacity to stem the flow of sewage into waterways.

From Seattle Times

The small legislative opposition cited “moral incapacity” as the reason for the removal request they submitted to Parliament.

From Seattle Times