incapacity
noun
in·ca·pac·i·ty
ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē 
-ˈpa-stē
plural incapacities
: the quality or state of being incapable
especially
: lack of physical or intellectual power or of natural or legal qualifications
Examples of incapacity in a Sentence
I'm aware of my weaknesses and incapacities.
her entrenched incapacity for decision-making doesn't make her a very good boss
Recent Examples on the Web
Some readily agree and allow more flexibility for determining incapacity.
—
Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Their proposal includes allowing the College of Cardinals to oversee governance during a temporary incapacity and convening a medical commission to assess the pope's health.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
The incapacity to proceed statute in North Carolina doesn’t expressly prevent applying it retroactively, Emry argues.
—Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Then-Secretary of State Robert Lansing invoked Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution, which provides for the vice president to assume presidential duties in cases of incapacity.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incapacity
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Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Their proposal includes allowing the College of Cardinals to oversee governance during a temporary incapacity and convening a medical commission to assess the pope's health.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
The incapacity to proceed statute in North Carolina doesn’t expressly prevent applying it retroactively, Emry argues.
—Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Then-Secretary of State Robert Lansing invoked Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution, which provides for the vice president to assume presidential duties in cases of incapacity.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incapacity
Cite this Entry
“Incapacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapacity. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incapacity
noun
in·ca·pac·i·ty
ˌin-kə-ˈpas-ət-ē
-ˈpas-tē
plural incapacities
: lack of ability or power
Legal Definition
incapacity
noun
in·ca·pac·i·ty
ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē
plural incapacities
1
: the quality or state of being incapable
especially
: lack of legal qualifications due to age or mental condition compare capacity
2
: the inability of an injured worker to perform the duties required in a job for which he or she is qualified compare disability sense 1
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