Incapable: meaning, definitions and examples
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incapable
[ɪnˈkeɪpəbl ]
Definitions
feeling
Not having the ability or qualities necessary to do something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incapable |
Generally used to describe someone or something that lacks the ability to do a specific task or action.
|
| unable |
Used to express that someone cannot do something, generally temporarily or due to external constraints.
|
| incompetent |
Often used in professional or skill-based scenarios to describe someone who lacks the skills or ability to perform a task effectively. It can carry a negative connotation.
|
| inept |
Typically used to describe a person's clumsiness or lack of skill in a particular activity. It often has a negative and sometimes slightly humorous tone.
|
Examples of usage
- He felt incapable of making a decision.
- She was declared mentally incapable of managing her own affairs.
skill
Lacking the necessary skill or competence for a particular task or role.
Synonyms
inadequate, inexperienced, unqualified.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incapable |
Best used when describing someone who absolutely cannot do something, lacking essential abilities or qualities.
|
| inadequate |
Best used when referring to someone or something not being good enough or not meeting the requirements or standards.
|
| unqualified |
Best used when someone does not have the necessary qualifications, skills, or credentials for a specific job or task.
|
| inexperienced |
Best used when describing someone who lacks experience or has not done something for a long time.
|
Examples of usage
- He is incapable of playing the piano.
- She was deemed incapable of leading the team.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'incapabilis', which means 'not able'.
- It combines 'in-' (meaning not) and 'capable', which comes from 'capere', meaning 'to seize or take'.
- The word has been part of the English language since the 16th century.
Psychology
- Feeling 'incapable' can lead to low self-esteem, as people might doubt their own abilities.
- The concept is often discussed in self-help and motivational contexts, encouraging individuals to overcome these feelings.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals reframe thoughts of incapability into more positive beliefs.
Literature
- Characters in classic literature often struggle with feelings of incapability, highlighting human vulnerability.
- In many stories, a character's journey involves overcoming their own perceived incapabilities to achieve personal growth.
- Shakespeare frequently explored themes of power and inability, such as in 'Hamlet' where indecision leads to action incapacity.
Pop Culture
- Popular films often portray a hero's struggle to overcome feelings of incapability, showing growth and empowerment.
- There are many quotes in popular media that encourage individuals to push past their 'incapable' feelings and take risks.
- Songs regularly touch on themes of struggling with incapability, inviting listeners to connect with their own challenges.
Education
- In educational settings, students may experience moments of feeling incapable, often linked to high-pressure environments.
- Teaching methods emphasize growth mindsets to help students view challenges as opportunities, rather than roadblocks to capability.
- Classroom activities often involve supporting peers, which helps build confidence and combat feelings of incapability.
Translations
Translations of the word "incapable" in other languages:
🇵🇹 incapaz
🇮🇳 असमर्थ
🇩🇪 unfähig
🇮🇩 tidak mampu
🇺🇦 нездатний
🇵🇱 niezdolny
🇯🇵 無能
🇫🇷 incapable
🇪🇸 incapaz
🇹🇷 aciz
🇰🇷 무능한
🇸🇦 غير قادر
🇨🇿 neschopný
🇸🇰 neschopný
🇨🇳 无能力
🇸🇮 nesposoben
🇮🇸 óhæfur
🇰🇿 қабілетсіз
🇬🇪 უუნარო
🇦🇿 qabiliyyətsiz
🇲🇽 incapaz