incapable

adjective in·ca·pa·ble \ (ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl \

Definition of incapable

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

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

b archaic :not receptive

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

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

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

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incapability

play \(ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

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incapableness

play \(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs\ noun

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incapably

play \(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-blē\ adverb

See incapable defined for English-language learners

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Examples of incapable in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of incapable from the Web

Often called mosquito hawks, these clumsy flyers are incapable of biting, stinging or much of anything except mating.

— ellen nibali, baltimoresun.com, "Garden Q&A: Tomato problems," 22 Aug. 2017
The country's radar and tracking systems remain largely incapable of reliably targeting advanced fighters, however.

— jay bennett, Popular Mechanics, "The F-35 Is on Its Way to Stare Down North Korea," 17 Aug. 2017
There are many people who are incapable of empathy for a living being alone, scared, starved, without his mother, and terrified.

— devon ivie, CNT, "Baby Dolphin Dies After Tourists Take Too Many Selfies With It," 16 Aug. 2017
In so many of his public statements Trump wanders, free-associates, digresses, and seems either incapable or uninterested in piecing together complete sentences.

— david a. graham, The Atlantic, "Trump Knows Exactly What He’s Doing," 16 Aug. 2017
Aside from being accomplished and prolific, both are refreshingly blunt, can wither enemies with a single line reading, and are chemically incapable of suffering fools.

— julie miller, Vanities, "Did You Know Maggie Smith and Samuel L. Jackson Are Friends?," 11 Aug. 2017
With their home-run pace slowed greatly, the Brewers have been incapable of generating rallies.

— tom haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Twins 7, Brewers 2: Another dreadful showing allows Minnesota to finish four-game sweep," 10 Aug. 2017
Despite having control of both chambers of Congress, the executive branch has proven itself to be incapable of executing.

— william d. cohan, vanityfair.com, "How the Stock Market Will Cripple Donald Trump," 4 Aug. 2017
Such a good read that even Tyrion, Master of Insults, was incapable of a comeback.

— eliza thompson, Cosmopolitan, "The 19 Most Savage Olenna Tyrell Quotes of All Time," 1 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'incapable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of incapable

Middle French, from in- + capable capable

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First Known Use: 1594

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incapable Synonyms

Synonyms

inapt, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful

Antonyms

able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent

Related Words

ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient; amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional; unequipped, unprepared, untrained; useless, worthless; disqualified, ineligible; wanting

Near Antonyms

prepared, ready, trained; overqualified; accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced (also practised), seasoned, veteran, virtuoso; all-around (also all-round), protean, versatile

INCAPABLE Defined for English Language Learners

incapable

adjective

Definition of incapable for English Language Learners

: not able to do something : not capable

INCAPABLE Defined for Kids

incapable

adjective in·ca·pa·ble \ in-ˈkā-pə-bəl \

Definition of incapable for Students

:not able to do something

Penguins are incapable of flight.

Law Dictionary

incapable

adjective in·ca·pa·ble

legal Definition of incapable

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

Learn More about incapable

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INCAPABLE Defined for English Language Learners

incapable

Definition of incapable for English Language Learners

INCAPABLE Defined for Kids

incapable

Definition of incapable for Students

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incapable

legal Definition of incapable

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