Incapable: meaning, definitions and examples

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incapable

 

[ ɪnˈkeɪpəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not having the ability or qualities necessary to do something.

Synonyms

incompetent, inept, unable

Examples of usage

  • He felt incapable of making a decision.
  • She was declared mentally incapable of managing her own affairs.
Context #2 | Adjective

skill

Lacking the necessary skill or competence for a particular task or role.

Synonyms

inadequate, inexperienced, unqualified

Examples of usage

  • He is incapable of playing the piano.
  • She was deemed incapable of leading the team.

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

Etymology

The word 'incapable' originates from the Latin word 'incapabilis', which is a combination of 'in-' (not) and 'capabilis' (able). The term has been used in English since the 16th century to describe the lack of ability or competence in various contexts.

See also: capabilities, capability, capably.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,958 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.