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

The talent evaluator who once worked the transfer portal like a Wall Street wizard suddenly seemed incapable of distinguishing a difference-maker from a benchwarmer. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

But both sides have proved incapable of making the concessions necessary to strike a deal. — Allison Minor, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026

Erin is incapable of seeing any of her actions as wrong, which is why everyone is always pissed at her. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026

The dinosaurs’ digestive systems are incapable of breaking down vegetable matter into anything other than a painfully gassy bloat. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 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