incapable

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl 

1

: lacking capacity, ability, or qualification for the purpose or end in view: such as

a

: not able or fit for the doing or performance : incompetent

incapable of understanding the task

b

: not being in a state or of a kind to admit : insusceptible

incapable of telling a lie

c

archaic : not able to take in, hold, or keep

d

archaic : not receptive

2

: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) : disqualified

incapability

(ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

incapableness

(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs 

noun

incapably

(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb

incapability

2 of 2

noun

in·​capability (¦)in 

ən+

: the quality or state of being incapable

Synonyms of incapable

Adjective

• unfit
• incompetent
• unfitted
• unable

Examples of incapable in a Sentence

Adjective

hired a supremely incapable assistant who only made a mess of things

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

His costly miscalculation exploded into a life-and-death war fiasco that an incompetent and dishonest administration is now incapable of ending. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

The notion is that children are both uniquely vulnerable to trafficking or other mistreatment and incapable of navigating their way through the byzantine immigration system without legal help. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026

The familiarity of a news conference doesn’t mean that Rice is incapable of changing. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Real-world experience in professions may be a quality that AI is incapable of replicating, a new study suggests. — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French, from in- + capable capable

First Known Use

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for incapable

• capable
• inescapable

Kids Definition

incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl 

: not able to do something

incapable of cleaning her room thoroughly

incapability

(ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

Legal Definition

incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble

: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) see also incapacity