capable
KAY-puh-buhl
Capable (adj) means having the skill, ability, or qualities needed to do something well. Example: “She's a capable manager who keeps the whole team on track.”
adj
1
Having the skill, ability, or qualities needed to do something well.
"She's a capable manager who keeps the whole team on track."
"The car is capable of reaching sixty miles per hour in under six seconds."
"Don't worry about the children, because the babysitter is perfectly capable of looking after them."
How to use capable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAble to do something, usually well.
Common mistake
Followed by "of," not "to": "capable of winning," not "capable to win."
Common pairings
capable of
highly capable
a capable leader
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more capable
- Superlative
- most capable
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Can you complete this real example?
She's a _____ manager who keeps the whole team on track.
Etymology
From Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis — related to Latin capere ("to take, to hold"), the same root behind "capacity."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for capable
See all rhymes for capable →Frequently asked questions
What does “capable” mean?
The word “capable” means having the skill, ability, or qualities needed to do something well. In plain terms, able to do something, usually well.
How do you pronounce “capable”?
“Capable” is pronounced KAY-puh-buhl (/ˈkeɪ.pə.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “capable” in a sentence?
Here is “capable” used in a sentence: “She's a capable manager who keeps the whole team on track.”
What is the opposite of “capable”?
The opposite of “capable” — its antonyms — is incapable.
What part of speech is “capable”?
“Capable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “capable” come from?
The word “capable” comes from Late Latin. From Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis — related to Latin capere ("to take, to hold"), the same root behind "capacity.".
Is “capable” a common word?
“Capable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'capable' and 'able'?
The two are close, but able usually means simply having the power to do something right now, while capable suggests a broader, proven skill or potential to do it well. You are able to lift a box; a capable manager can handle whatever the job demands. Capable often implies competence and reliability.
Is 'capable' a compliment?
Yes, calling someone capable is generally positive. It says they have the skill, ability, and qualities to do something well, and it implies trust and competence. In a reference or review it is genuine praise, though it is measured rather than glowing — it signals solid reliability more than brilliance.
What is the opposite of capable?
The direct opposite is incapable, meaning lacking the skill or ability to do something. Related opposites include incompetent, unable, unqualified, and ineffective. Where capable suggests someone can be trusted to handle a task well, these words suggest they cannot manage it or would do it poorly.
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