incapacity

noun

in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē 

-ˈpa-stē

plural incapacities

: the quality or state of being incapable

especially : lack of physical or intellectual power or of natural or legal qualifications

Synonyms of incapacity

• inability

Examples of incapacity in a Sentence

I'm aware of my weaknesses and incapacities.

her entrenched incapacity for decision-making doesn't make her a very good boss

Recent Examples on the Web

Days later, Westcott attempted to rescind the deal, citing his mental incapacity. —Charmaine Patterson, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

Yet in the end, the BRICS’ joint statement, published several days after the bombing, was remarkably vague, failing even to mention Israel or the United States, revealing the grouping’s incapacity to speak with one voice. —Oliver Stuenkel, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025

The problem, in other words, is not fiscal incapacity but political choice. —James Sample, ABC News, 8 Nov. 2025

As the world becomes ever more complex, apparently the list of individual incapacities has grown. —Jim Nowlan, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French incapacité, from Middle French, from in- + capacité capacity

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incapacity

• perspicacity
• pertinacity
• audacity
• capacity
• loquacity
• mendacity
• opacity
• pugnacity
• rapacity
• sagacity
• tenacity
• veracity

Kids Definition

incapacity

noun

in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpas-ət-ē 

-ˈpas-tē

plural incapacities

: lack of ability or power

Legal Definition

incapacity

noun

in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē 

plural incapacities

1

: the quality or state of being incapable

especially : lack of legal qualifications due to age or mental condition compare capacity

2

: the inability of an injured worker to perform the duties required in a job for which he or she is qualified compare disability sense 1