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 … to make thee capable

—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

• able
• competent
• equal
• fit
• good
• qualified
• suitable

Examples of capable in a Sentence

a capable and efficient editor

Recent Examples on the Web

Particularly did this seem true of the ginkgoes that decorate many a Washington street, and seem almost capable of acting as independent sources of illumination. —Martin Weil, Washington Post, 25 Nov. 2023

Sources stress that expensive shows will still exist, but networks and studios are looking for series capable of sustaining long runs on a budget, namely sitcoms and procedural formats. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 21 Nov. 2023

The 33 Raptor engines in the Super Heavy first stage are capable of generating 16 million pounds of thrust at full throttle — roughly twice the power of NASA's Space Launch System moon rocket, currently the world's most powerful. —William Harwood, CBS News, 15 Nov. 2023

Cooks is capable of providing WR3/flex upside on a weekly basis if the Cowboys’ brain trust on offense doesn’t forget about him again. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Nov. 2023

Henry insisted that the U.S. government had tried to kill him, and his continued existence proved to me that some people are capable of surviving apocalypse. —Myriam Gurba, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023

One of Montessori’s most radical insights was that even young children are capable of concentration and deep study in the right environment. —Andrew McAfee, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2023

Entrepreneurial success is difficult for everyone and requires hard work, and both genders are capable of working equally hard. —Kumar Mehta, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023

Regardless of its shortcomings, the Z Nismo is a capable performer that delivers on its promises of being a true, track-ready sports car. —Bradley Iger, Ars Technica, 9 Nov. 2023

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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

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