incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl 

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

incapable of understanding the task

b

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

incapable of telling a lie

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

incapability

(ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

incapableness

(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs 

noun

incapably

(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of incapable

• unfit
• incompetent
• unfitted
• unable

Examples of incapable in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the men on this season are literally incapable of any form of connection that doesn’t involve making out. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 12 June 2026

Created by Dan Levy and Rachel Senott, Big Mistakes follows Nicky (Levy) and Morgan (Taylor Ortega), two deeply incapable siblings who are in over their heads when a misguided theft for their dying grandmother accidentally pulls them into the world of organized crime. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 June 2026

There are no kitchen workers scouring pots or raconteurs drinking rum punch; most of the figures seem utterly incapable of offering directions or telling a joke, much less running, sweating, or allowing blood to flow through their veins. —Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Hollywood on a bad day is paralyzed, absolutely paralyzed, and incapable of making new decisions. —Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from in- + capable capable

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for incapable

• capable
• inescapable

Kids Definition

incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl 

: not able to do something

incapable of cleaning her room thoroughly

incapability

(ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

Legal Definition

incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble

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