incapacitation

[ in-kuh-pas-i-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the state of not having the necessary ability, qualification, or strength to perform some specified act or function; incapacity:

   When the brain lacks sufficient oxygen, cognitive and mental ability declines, followed by physical incapacitation, and then unconsciousness or even death.

Word History and Origins

Origin of incapacitation¹

First recorded in 1720–30; incapacitat(e) ( def ) + -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

Because of a lack of consistent rules, standards and record-keeping, the audit said Metro “cannot reasonably ensure that its employees and contractors” who work dangerous jobs “are free from impairment that could cause incapacitation.”

From Washington Post

That way, the Senate still slows things down, but not to the point of incapacitation.

From The Daily Beast

Yet progressives have, if anything, more reason to worry about the incapacitation of government than conservatives.

From The Daily Beast

The unjust and absurd Act of Incapacitation was carried by seventy-four voices to twenty-four.

From Project Gutenberg

Employees may retire for age at 70, or for physical incapacitation between 65 and 69.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing short of incapacitation of the whole squad would have brought forth a stay in activities.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the koshimoto, two were the favoured concubines during the incapacitation of the wife.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• failure
• impotence
• incompetence
• inefficiency
• ineptitude
• lack
• shortcoming
• weakness