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

Cincinnati prioritized Knight, taking him with pick No. 49 in the second round, knowing the importance of adding a player capable of starting immediately. —Paul Dehner Jr., New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025

Most notably, though, the bike undercuts the most capable of all middleweight ADVs, the Yamaha Ténéré 700, by thousands. —New Atlas, 26 Apr. 2025

On cross-examination the defense pointed out that Scott, at 6'8,'' 280 pounds, was the only person on the farm physically capable of moving Gary's 300-pound body. —Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025

Heading into the draft it was universally understood there were 10 offensive lineman capable of becoming day one starters if their health wasn’t a factor. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 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