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

McCann Hess noted that many people are more likely to need a power of attorney than a will because incapacity can happen at any stage of life. — Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

It’s used in South Dakota to assist families with children who need financial support because of the death of a parent, an absent parent, or the unemployment or physical or mental incapacity of a parent. — Meghan O'Brien, States Newsroom, 14 July 2026

My embodiment—paralysis—is conjured when trying to describe an inability, a lack, an incapacity. — Rebekah Taussig, Time, 7 July 2026

Under Missouri law, most mail ballots must be notarized before they can be counted, though voters casting absentee ballots for certain reasons, including incapacity, are exempt from that requirement. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 7 July 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