Incapacity: meaning, definitions and examples
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incapacity
[ ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪti ]
legal term
The state of being unable to do something or to manage one's own affairs.
Synonyms
disability, inability, incompetence.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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incapacity |
This term is used in formal and medical contexts to describe a lack of ability, power, or qualification to do something, often due to a physical or mental condition.
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incompetence |
This word is often used in professional or formal settings to describe a lack of skill, knowledge, or qualification to perform a job or task. It has a negative connotation.
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inability |
This term refers to the lack of ability to do something and can be used in general contexts, including everyday situations and discussions.
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disability |
This word is commonly used to describe a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. It is often used in discussions about health, inclusion, and accessibility.
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Examples of usage
- He was declared bankrupt due to his incapacity to manage his finances.
- The court appointed a legal guardian for the elderly man who was in a state of mental incapacity.
medical term
A physical or mental condition that limits a person's ability to function.
Synonyms
disability, handicap, impairment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
incapacity |
This term is often used in legal or formal contexts to describe the inability to perform a task or duty due to a physical or mental condition.
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impairment |
This word is specifically used to describe a loss of function or ability in a specific part of the body or mind. It is more clinical and precise.
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handicap |
This term is somewhat outdated and can carry a negative connotation. It refers to a disadvantage imposed on someone due to a physical or mental condition.
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disability |
This is a broad and common term used to describe a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. It is generally considered neutral and respectful.
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Examples of usage
- The accident left him with a permanent incapacity to walk.
- She was granted disability benefits due to her incapacity to work.
Translations
Translations of the word "incapacity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 incapacidade
🇮🇳 अक्षमता
🇩🇪 Unfähigkeit
🇮🇩 ketidakmampuan
🇺🇦 нездатність
🇵🇱 niezdolność
🇯🇵 無能
🇫🇷 incapacité
🇪🇸 incapacidad
🇹🇷 yetersizlik
🇰🇷 무능력
🇸🇦 عجز
🇨🇿 neschopnost
🇸🇰 neschopnosť
🇨🇳 无能力
🇸🇮 nesposobnost
🇮🇸 vanhæfni
🇰🇿 қабілетсіздік
🇬🇪 უუნარობა
🇦🇿 qabiliyyətsizlik
🇲🇽 incapacidad
Etymology
The word 'incapacity' originated from the Latin word 'incapacitas', which is a combination of 'in-' (not) and 'capax' (able). It first appeared in the English language in the early 16th century. The term has been used in legal contexts to refer to the inability to perform certain actions or make decisions. In medical contexts, it is used to describe a limitation in physical or mental functioning.
See also: undercapacity.