adjective
Uncommon
incapable
ihn-KAY-puhbl
Incapable (adjective) means not able to do something; lacking the necessary skill or capacity. Example: “He seemed incapable of admitting he was wrong.”
adjective
1
Not able to do something; lacking the necessary skill or capacity.
"He seemed incapable of admitting he was wrong."
"The old engine was incapable of reaching top speed anymore."
"The toddler was still incapable of tying his own shoelaces."
How to use incapable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnable to do something, often used with "of."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
incapable of
utterly incapable
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Word forms
- Plural
- incapables
- Comparative
- more incapable
- Superlative
- most incapable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He seemed _____ of admitting he was wrong.
Etymology
From Middle French incapable — in- plus capable.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for incapable
See all rhymes for incapable →Frequently asked questions
What does “incapable” mean?
The word “incapable” means not able to do something; lacking the necessary skill or capacity. In plain terms, unable to do something, often used with "of.".
How do you pronounce “incapable”?
“Incapable” is pronounced ihn-KAY-puhbl (/ɪnˈkeɪpəbl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “incapable” in a sentence?
Here is “incapable” used in a sentence: “He seemed incapable of admitting he was wrong.”
What is the opposite of “incapable”?
The opposite of “incapable” — its antonyms — is capable.
What part of speech is “incapable”?
“Incapable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “incapable” come from?
The word “incapable” comes from Middle French. From Middle French incapable — in- plus capable.
Is “incapable” a common word?
“Incapable” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between incapable and unable?
Incapable often suggests a more lasting lack of skill, capacity, or character needed to do something, such as being incapable of cruelty, while unable more commonly refers to a temporary or situational inability, such as being unable to attend a meeting due to a conflict. Incapable can carry a stronger judgment about someone's fundamental ability or nature.
What preposition follows incapable?
Incapable is typically followed by 'of,' as in 'incapable of finishing the task' or 'incapable of lying.' This is a fixed pattern in standard English usage.
Is incapable used to describe both people and things?
Yes, incapable can describe people who lack a skill or capacity, such as an incapable manager, as well as systems or things that cannot perform a function, such as a machine incapable of handling the load. In both cases it points to a lack of necessary ability or capacity.
