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

Large language models represent the first technology capable of analyzing, contextualizing and deriving insights from this avalanche of information. —Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

In parts of northern Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and the southern Appalachians, ice totals could exceed half an inch — levels capable of causing widespread power outages and tree damage. —Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026

And in 2026, the chilly months are teeming with rare appearances and fresh collaborations capable of inspiring a trip to the theater even in the darkest depths of winter. —Ellen Przepasniak, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026

To this end, this new fibre chip can handle digital and analog signals, and is capable of simple neural-network style image recognition. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 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