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

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

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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

My liberation was to finally break free from the obligation to love someone who was incapable of love. — Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, "Ask Amy: If he marries my daughter, his life will be hell. Should I warn him?," 10 Sep. 2019 My liberation was to finally break free from the obligation to love someone who was incapable of love. — Amy Dickinson, The Denver Post, "Ask Amy: Father-in-law wants to issue premarital warning," 10 Sep. 2019 My liberation was to finally break free from the obligation to love someone who was incapable of love. — Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, "Ask Amy: Father-in-law wants to issue premarital warning," 10 Sep. 2019 Moreover, the old observation that the EU is incapable of concerted international action no longer holds. — The Economist, "The EU’s relationship with Turkey is failing," 25 July 2019 But the offense, despite adding 20 points after the game was basically out of contention, was incapable of playing from behind against a team with elite talent. — Nick Baumgardner, USA TODAY, "Jim Harbaugh in whatever-it-takes mode as he tries to lead Michigan back to top of Big Ten," 16 Aug. 2019 The stories and subplots do evolve some, but the dialogue remains excruciatingly flat (and often just corny), while the annoyingly dull cast seems incapable of giving the material much lift. — Hank Stuever, Washington Post, "Send your regrets to Hulu’s ‘Four Weddings and Funeral’ (and a sympathy card)," 29 July 2019 Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press To suggest Jim Harbaugh is incapable of evolution within his coaching philosophy is to ignore most of his journey in the game itself. — Nick Baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football's new offense: 'We were made for this'," 25 July 2019 As in many Western countries, there is widespread disillusionment with a system that increasingly seems incapable of delivering economic prosperity, or even security, for large parts of the population. — Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, "Russians embrace Soviet ideals – by not paying their gas bills," 30 Jan. 2019

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.