incapable

[ in-key-puh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not capable.

   Antonyms: able

2. not having the necessary ability, qualification, or strength to perform some specified act or function:

   As an administrator, he is simply incapable.

   Synonyms: unqualified, impotent

3. without ordinary capability; incompetent.

noun

1. a thoroughly incompetent person, especially one of defective mentality.

incapable

/ ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl /

adjective

1. whenpostpositive, often foll by of not capable (of); lacking the ability (to)
2. powerless or helpless, as through injury or intoxication
3. postpositivefoll byof not susceptible (to); not admitting (of)

   a problem incapable of solution

Derived Forms

• inˈcapably, adverb
• inˌcapaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• in·capa·bili·ty in·capa·ble·ness noun
• in·capa·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of incapable¹

From the Late Latin word incapābilis, dating back to 1585–95. See in- ³, capable

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. incapable of,
   1. not having the ability, qualification, or strength for (a specified act or function).
   2. not open to; not susceptible to or admitting:

      These materials are incapable of exact measurement.

   3. legally unqualified for.

Synonym Study

Incapable, incompetent, inefficient, unable are applied to a person or thing that is lacking in ability, preparation, or power for whatever is to be done. Incapable usually means inherently lacking in ability or power: incapable of appreciating music; a bridge incapable of carrying heavy loads. Incompetent, generally used only of persons, means unfit or unqualified for a particular task: incompetent as an administrator. Inefficient means wasteful in the use of effort or power: an inefficient manager; inefficient methods. Unable usually refers to a temporary condition of inability to do some specific thing: unable to relax, to go to a concert.

Example Sentences

Far more common in the religious right is a belief that men are incapable of controlling their desires.

From Salon

That is, our cultural formation determines to a significant extent what colors we perceive and what we are incapable of seeing because our brains have not been taught to expect it.

From Salon

They have a remarkable tolerance for crass and bullying behavior, care little for empathy and ethics, and are incapable of weighing basic facts about public life.

From Salon

"He’s got to unite people. He’s got to not attack the left, not attack everybody," Rogan said of Trump, reminding listeners that he is uniquely incapable of learning from experience.

From Salon

Fortunately for the Bruins, their defense proved too much for an opponent incapable of handling active hands and backcourt pressure.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• impotent
• inadequate
• incompetent
• ineffective
• ineligible
• naive
• powerless
• unable
• unfit
• unqualified
• unsuited
• weak