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

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

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

• inapt
• incompetent
• inept
• inexpert
• unable
• unfit
• unfitted
• unqualified
• unskilled
• unskillful

Examples of incapable in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

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, 24 Apr. 2025

The choice was viewed by many at the school as the latest affront in a long history of treating the deaf as incapable of functioning without help from the hearing. —David Owen, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025

Before then, shadow president Elon Musk will try to illegally fire most of its staff, rendering the NLRB incapable of conducting union representation elections or investigating discrimination against union activists. —Shaun Richman, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025

Regardless, there was no reason for Minnesota to not get better last-second looks Tuesday against a Denver team that’s proven incapable of guarding the Wolves. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Apr. 2025

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