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.
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, 18 Aug. 2025 Unfortunately, however, those eyes are incapable of seeing. New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2025 But following mass Department of Education layoffs and staff buyouts earlier this year, the Office of Federal Student Aid appears to be incapable of keeping up with the deluge of applications. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025 The issue of rising beef prices in the U.S. has long been on the radar of policymakers and agricultural experts, who largely attribute this to declining cattle herds that are incapable of meeting demand, as well as a growing reliance on imports and periodic battles with adverse weather. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 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

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