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.
Bears are betting the president is incapable of doing either. Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 Dakota Johnson, queen of all nepo babies, is incapable of being boring. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 May 2025 Perhaps being incapable of these thoughts would be a mercy in itself. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 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, 16 May 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 22 May. 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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