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

capableness

ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs 

noun

capably

ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of capable

• suitable
• qualified
• competent
• able

Examples of capable in a Sentence

a capable and efficient editor

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the Skydio website, the X10 model is capable of recognizing people from a 2,620-foot distance and reading license plates from 800 feet away. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026

The long-term goal is a humanoid robot capable of cleaning an entire home at a low cost, potentially making home cleaning services more accessible. — ABC News, 31 July 2026

It is intended to replace the F-22 Raptor, which entered service in 2005 and remains one of the world’s most capable air-superiority fighters. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have established squads capable of sustaining title challenges over 38 matches, whereas Alonso is assembling his own team and implementing a new tactical framework. — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

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