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

Even if his hair were jet-black, the last couple of weeks would be capable of turning anyone’s hair gray. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

But also strategic assets like long range bombers and nuclear capable submarines. —Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 9 May 2026

Any storm is capable of producing damaging wind gusts, hail, and brief downpours with localized flooding. —Tammie Souza, CBS News, 9 May 2026

In April, a Yorba Linda father was charged with felony child endangerment after authorities alleged his son ran a red light and was hit by a car while riding a modified e-motorcycle capable of reaching up to 60 mph. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 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