incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl 

1

: lacking capacity, ability, or qualification for the purpose or end in view: such as

a

: not able or fit for the doing or performance : incompetent

incapable of understanding the task

b

: not being in a state or of a kind to admit : insusceptible

incapable of telling a lie

c

archaic : not able to take in, hold, or keep

d

archaic : not receptive

2

: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) : disqualified

incapability

(ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

incapableness

(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs 

noun

incapably

(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of incapable

• unfit
• incompetent
• unfitted
• unable

Examples of incapable in a Sentence

hired a supremely incapable assistant who only made a mess of things

Recent Examples on the Web

In a rollicking monologue, Fry described all opera as comedy, tragedy merely being the result of idiotic egos incapable of levity. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026

That means these kittens, in their very first hours and days of life, were physically incapable of generating their own heat. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026

But if someone is incapable to proceed, that doesn’t mean the case gets dropped. —Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026

Without political capital, leadership is irrelevant, because such a person is incapable of being a leader. —Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from in- + capable capable

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for incapable

• capable
• inescapable

Kids Definition

incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl 

: not able to do something

incapable of cleaning her room thoroughly

incapability

(ˌ)in-ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

Legal Definition

incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble

: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) see also incapacity