capable
adjective
ca·pa·ble
ˈkā-pə-bəl 
in rapid speech ˈkāp-bəl
1
: susceptible
a remark capable of being misunderstood
2
obsolete
: comprehensive
3
: having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment
is capable of intense concentration
4
: having traits conducive to or features permitting something
This woman is capable of murder by violence …—
Robert Graves
Robert Graves5
: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform
… of my land … I'll work the means / To make thee capable.—William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare6
: having or showing general efficiency and ability
a capable lawyer
a capable performance
Examples of capable in a Sentence
a capable and efficient editor
Recent Examples on the Web
Speaking of safety, the robot is also capable of scanning its surroundings and avoiding contact with other equipment or people.
—Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Florida needs change to ensure our growing population has enough capable physicians to meet their needs.
—José Sosa-Palacios, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
To be near a part of the earth that feels alive, a living, breathing earth, capable of making actual foundation.
—Tommy Orange, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
These assets include 10 advanced warships and dozens of fighter jets capable of flying at twice the speed of sound to deliver 20,000-pound payloads.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for capable
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Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Florida needs change to ensure our growing population has enough capable physicians to meet their needs.
—José Sosa-Palacios, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
To be near a part of the earth that feels alive, a living, breathing earth, capable of making actual foundation.
—Tommy Orange, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
These assets include 10 advanced warships and dozens of fighter jets capable of flying at twice the speed of sound to deliver 20,000-pound payloads.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for capable
Cite this Entry
“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capable. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
capable
adjective
ca·pa·ble
ˈkā-pə-bəl
1
: having the qualities (as physical or mental power) to do or accomplish something
you are capable of better work
2
: having qualities or features permitting
a new train capable of very high speeds
3
: able to do one's job well : generally efficient
tries to hire capable people
capability
noun
ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē
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