capable
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
Cite this Entry
“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capable. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
