incapacity

noun

in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē How to pronounce incapacity (audio)
-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
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.
But because of the incapacity of the LAF, Israeli mistrust of UNIFIL, the absence of an enforcement provision, and Hezbollah’s influence over decision-making in Beirut, Resolution 1701 was never fully implemented. Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2024 Exceptions include people who submitted a voter removal request or those who cannot vote because of criminal convictions or mental incapacity. April Rubin, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024 Whether for yourself or on behalf of your minor children, individuals can nominate agents to manage their affairs during times of absence or incapacity. Ashley Case, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Sleeping Beauty: Planning For Incapacity Aurora’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of planning for incapacity. Ashley Case, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for incapacity 

Word History

Etymology

French incapacité, from Middle French, from in- + capacité capacity

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incapacity was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near incapacity

Cite this Entry

“Incapacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapacity. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

incapacity

noun
in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpas-ət-ē How to pronounce incapacity (audio)
-ˈpas-tē
plural incapacities
: lack of ability or power

Legal Definition

incapacity

noun
in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē How to pronounce incapacity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on incapacity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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