incapable

adjective

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

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

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

Other Words from incapable Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About incapable

Other Words from incapable

incapability \ (ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

incapableness \ (ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs

\ noun

incapably \ (ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-blē

\ adverb

Examples of incapable in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web Domino is incapable of the former and beyond the latter — alert to it, but beyond it. — Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, 16 June 2022 Steam catapults are also incapable of fine-tuning their power to allow smaller, lighter uncrewed aircraft to safely launch. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 15 June 2022 There are also many reasons why an infant might be incapable of breastfeeding, including premature birth or a disability that prevents latching. — David Reamer, Anchorage Daily News, 22 May 2022 Russians were incapable of pronouncing it correctly. — James Verini, New York Times, 19 May 2022 That's when the man asked the victim which of his two cars was incapable of being tracked. — Jay R. Jordan, Chron, 16 May 2022 The one run scored earlier appeared to be more than enough for Detroit, a molehill in the shape of a mountain the Orioles were incapable of climbing, until Trey Mancini’s solo homer in the ninth inning of the 5-1 loss. — Andy Kostka, Baltimore Sun, 15 May 2022 The Democrats are incapable of running on their accomplishments. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 May 2022 The sheer lyricism of his writing had me incapable of abandoning the story. — Riza Cruz, ELLE, 27 May 2022 See More

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.