incapable

adjective

in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce incapable (audio)
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
b
: not being in a state or of a kind to admit : insusceptible
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
incapableness noun
incapably adverb

Examples of incapable in a Sentence

hired a supremely incapable assistant who only made a mess of things
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In those moments, the human element that leaders bring to the table—sometimes referred to as their gut instinct—provides guidance that data is incapable of delivering. Anar Mammadov, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 The type of flexible thinking that Maresca and his dogma is totally incapable of. Thom Harris, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025 Now starring alongside Cate Blanchett in both Black Bag and The Seagull, the British actor opens up about overcoming extreme shyness March 15, 2025 Reading Time: 3 minutes Tom Burke is incapable of being dull. Bridget Arsenault, airmail.news, 15 Mar. 2025 Popular belief held that women were incapable of withstanding high altitudes, savage elements, and carrying heavy loads without men’s help. Cassidy Randall, TIME, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incapable

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from in- + capable capable

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incapable was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incapable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapable. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

incapable

adjective
in·​ca·​pa·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce incapable (audio)
: not able to do something
incapable of cleaning her room thoroughly

Legal Definition

incapable

adjective
in·​ca·​pa·​ble
: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) see also incapacity

More from Merriam-Webster on incapable

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