incapable

[in-key-puh-buhl]

adjective

1. not capable.

   Antonyms: able

2. not having the necessary ability, qualification, or strength to perform some specified act or function.

   As an administrator, he is simply incapable.

   Synonyms: unqualified, impotent

3. without ordinary capability; incompetent.

noun

1. a thoroughly incompetent person, especially one of defective mentality.

incapable

/ ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl /

adjective

1. not capable (of); lacking the ability (to)

2. powerless or helpless, as through injury or intoxication

3. not susceptible (to); not admitting (of)

   a problem incapable of solution

Other Word Forms

• incapability noun
• incapableness noun
• incapably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of incapable¹

From the Late Latin word incapābilis, dating back to 1585–95. See in- ³, capable

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. incapable of,

   1. not having the ability, qualification, or strength for (a specified act or function).

   2. not open to; not susceptible to or admitting.

      These materials are incapable of exact measurement.

   3. legally unqualified for.

Synonym Study

Incapable, incompetent, inefficient, unable are applied to a person or thing that is lacking in ability, preparation, or power for whatever is to be done. Incapable usually means inherently lacking in ability or power: incapable of appreciating music; a bridge incapable of carrying heavy loads. Incompetent, generally used only of persons, means unfit or unqualified for a particular task: incompetent as an administrator. Inefficient means wasteful in the use of effort or power: an inefficient manager; inefficient methods. Unable usually refers to a temporary condition of inability to do some specific thing: unable to relax, to go to a concert.

Example Sentences

"Today I get to be the dad I was incapable of when I had to use alcohol to deal with life as life is."

From BBC

To me the horror of the movie was about, from the child’s perspective, looking at all these adults who were totally incapable, whether it was due to addiction or narcissism.

From Los Angeles Times

The soft early-season schedule will place USC in a limbo of sorts, as it will be incapable of generating any excitement for its team.

From Los Angeles Times

The book isn’t hagiography, because Guralnick does so much research and reporting for every book that he’s incapable of writing a one-sided account of any subject.

From Los Angeles Times

It's a moot point, simply because Stokes is incapable of reining it in.

From BBC

Related Words

• impotent 
• inadequate 
• incompetent 
• ineffective 
• ineligible 
• naive 
• powerless 
• unable 
• unfit 
• unqualified 
• unsuited 
• weak