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

• suitable
• qualified
• competent
• able

Examples of capable in a Sentence

a capable and efficient editor

Recent Examples on the Web

Both are now preparing to take on greater responsibilities within the firm, not as the founder’s children, but as capable professionals in their own right. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025

For developers with workloads that genuinely need this level of performance, Jetson AGX Thor offers one of the most capable and complete solutions available today. —Dave Altavilla, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Most Democrats, 68%, said local police would be better equipped to handle crime, while 53% of Republicans rated police and the National Guard as equally capable. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025

Unlike its sister variant, the F-35A, that operates from conventional runways, the F-35B is capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025

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