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

Researchers in Sweden have developed a display technology with the smallest pixels ever made, capable of producing the highest resolution the human eye can perceive. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025

And after a performance like that, where Tottenham were thoroughly outplayed and outfought, Frank will need to lean on characters capable of making an impact on and off the pitch. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

Together, the two homes contain nine bedrooms and form a sprawling Ibizan retreat capable of comfortably accommodating lots of family and friends. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025

Many regional observers believe Barghouti is the only figure capable of uniting the Palestinians; polls show him as a leading candidate in a hypothetical election for President of the Palestinian Authority. —Eric Cortellessa, Time, 23 Oct. 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