incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce incapable (audio)
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
incapableness noun
incapably adverb

Examples of incapable in a Sentence

hired a supremely incapable assistant who only made a mess of things
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the eight minutes the Mets batted in the bottom of the eighth, Garrett was a shark incapable of pausing even for a second. Tim Britton, New York Times, 5 July 2025 There have been countless occasions when he was asked to get another batter, another few outs, when his weary body was simply incapable of doing so. Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 This fact underscores Einstein’s wisdom that average individuals are incapable of understanding why great leaders always choose freedom of honesty over the prison of others’ opinions. Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 This definition also includes instance in which the victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (include due to the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because of age. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for incapable

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from in- + capable capable

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incapable was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incapable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapable. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

incapable

adjective
in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce incapable (audio)
: not able to do something
incapable of cleaning her room thoroughly

Legal Definition

incapable

adjective
in·​ca·​pa·​ble
: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) see also incapacity

More from Merriam-Webster on incapable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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