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

His friendly, supportive presence showed how the rival nations (in the far-off future in which the show was set) were capable of working together. — Jonathan Landrum Jr. The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Nevertheless, the initial attempt marked the beginning of a longer effort to develop a motorcycle configuration capable of traveling across water. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026

The Future Of Technology-Ready Leadership The future of technology leadership will likely depend less on predicting every technological development and more on creating organizations capable of adapting when those developments arrive. — Chandini Sheeba, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Felucca This is where a capable device becomes the deal of the year. — ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 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