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

The voluntary intoxication loophole means a person may be too impaired to make a meaningful choice and still fall outside the law’s protections for incapacity. — Ilana Turko, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

Benefits are also rising because more people are claiming disability and incapacity benefits. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026

Then illness, incapacity or death turns what looked like a strong structure into a scavenger hunt. — Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Many childless Americans also don't have plans in case of incapacity or death. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

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
• fugacity
• loquacity
• mendacity
• opacity
• 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