as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
her entrenched incapacity for decision-making doesn't make her a very good boss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of incapacity
In practice, these gaps often surface at the worst possible time—when leadership is already disrupted by an unexpected incapacity or death.
—
Fennemore,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
In New Jersey, lawmakers are considering a bill to amend a state law that allows parents to nominate standby, or temporary, guardians in the cases of death, incapacity, or debilitation.
—
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2026
An attorney who worked on the case was struck by the number of judicial decisions that were made without any finding of incapacity.
—
Jc Hallman,
Oklahoma Watch,
22 Mar. 2026
Only adult citizens would count, including those who, in some states, are not eligible to vote because of a felony conviction or their mental incapacity.
—
Hansi Lo Wang,
NPR,
9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incapacity
Fennemore,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
In New Jersey, lawmakers are considering a bill to amend a state law that allows parents to nominate standby, or temporary, guardians in the cases of death, incapacity, or debilitation.
—
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2026
An attorney who worked on the case was struck by the number of judicial decisions that were made without any finding of incapacity.
—
Jc Hallman,
Oklahoma Watch,
22 Mar. 2026
Only adult citizens would count, including those who, in some states, are not eligible to vote because of a felony conviction or their mental incapacity.
—
Hansi Lo Wang,
NPR,
9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incapacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incapacity
inability
Noun
-
This move follows a successful loan spell at Monaco and his inability to impress new coach Hansi Flick.
-
The ripple effect of food insecurity around the world from Ukraine’s inability to ship its normally massive grain crops.
Cite this Entry
“Incapacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incapacity. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
