capable

1 of 2

adjective

ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl 

in rapid speech ˈkāp-bəl

1

: susceptible

a remark capable of being misunderstood

2

obsolete : comprehensive

3

: having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment

is capable of intense concentration

4

: having traits conducive to or features permitting something

This woman is capable of murder by violence …

—Robert Graves

5

: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform

… of my land … I'll work the means / To make thee capable.

—William Shakespeare

6

: having or showing general efficiency and ability

a capable lawyer

a capable performance

capableness

ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs 

noun

capably

ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb

capableness

2 of 2

noun

ca·​pa·​ble·​ness ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs 

plural -es

: capability

Synonyms of capable

Adjective

• suitable
• qualified
• competent
• able

Examples of capable in a Sentence

Adjective

a capable and efficient editor

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Its new Home Cinema LS5000, LS6000, and LS7500 home theater projectors join the existing LS11000 flagship, with all four capable of throwing images as large as 300 inches. — New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026

The atmosphere will support a few stronger storms capable of gusty winds, small hail, frequent lightning and brief heavy rainfall, but widespread severe weather is not expected. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Then the cord dragged heavier lines that were capable of supporting large loads. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

The Libra Sun trines Uranus in your communication zone, making another person’s perspective unusually capable of shifting your thinking. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis, irregular from Latin capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for capable

• incapable
• inescapable

Kids Definition

capable

adjective

ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl 

1

: having the qualities (as physical or mental power) to do or accomplish something

you are capable of better work

2

: having qualities or features permitting

a new train capable of very high speeds

3

: able to do one's job well : generally efficient

tries to hire capable people

capability

ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

capably

ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb