Incapacity: meaning, definitions and examples

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incapacity

 

[ ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal term

The state of being unable to do something or to manage one's own affairs.

Synonyms

disability, inability, incompetence.

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • He was granted leave due to his temporary incapacity.
  • The patient's incapacity to move his legs was a result of the accident.
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.

  • The manager was fired for his incompetence in handling projects.
  • Her incompetence at work has caused significant delays.
inability

This term refers to the lack of ability to do something and can be used in general contexts, including everyday situations and discussions.

  • His inability to solve the problem frustrated him.
  • The team showed an inability to cooperate effectively.
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.

  • She has a disability that makes it difficult for her to walk.
  • The organization works to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

medical term

A physical or mental condition that limits a person's ability to function.

Synonyms

disability, handicap, impairment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • Due to his mental incapacity, he was not able to stand trial.
  • The employee's incapacity after the accident necessitated a long period of recovery.
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.

  • Her hearing impairment makes it difficult for her to follow conversations.
  • There is a growing awareness of cognitive impairments in the elderly population.
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.

  • His handicap didn't stop him from becoming a successful athlete.
  • In the past, people with disabilities were often referred to as 'handicapped'.
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.

  • She has a disability that requires her to use a wheelchair.
  • The government has policies in place to support people with disabilities.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,067, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.