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

He has been so attached to us — following My Lovely Wife and me from room to room, whimpering when we leave the house — that we figured he worshiped us and was incapable of anything approaching aggression.

From Washington Post

We would have to prioritize cow welfare in a way that I seriously think we’re incapable of right now.

From Eater

Many in the business world have talked at length about the private sector having the ability to step up to tackle the problems government has proved incapable of addressing.

From Fortune

The phones’ batteries were incapable of keeping up with the demands of the company’s frequent software updates.

From Fortune

In essence, the patchwork of the cities, while maintaining a semblance of Crusader city-states, was incapable of logistically supporting an army – in some cases, even to defend against localized threats.

From Realm of History

She is incapable of responding to kindness and enquiry, even very gentle flirting on the part of a co-worker.

From The Daily Beast

Unlike influenza, it is incapable of traveling through tiny microscopic particles.

From The Daily Beast

A “simple bout of flu” is incapable of mutating into an Ebola infection.

From The Daily Beast

Nancy, on the other hand, was incapable of communicating her wishes.

From The Daily Beast

Used without a German army on the ground, as it had been in mainland Europe, the Luftwaffe was incapable of securing victory.

From The Daily Beast

Then we are again overgrown boys, beings of inferior race and incapable of being civilized.

From Project Gutenberg

In the retreat across the Niemen he proved himself absolutely incapable of reorganising a beaten force.

From Project Gutenberg

She was as incapable of jealousy as of aching vanity in the fact of a son whom the world was never permitted to forget.

From Project Gutenberg

A meeting may be legally held though one of its members is incapable, physically or mentally, from receiving notice.

From Project Gutenberg

His previous career had not been without distinction, and that he was an incapable commander had never before been hinted.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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