Incapacity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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incapacity
[หษชnkษหpรฆsษชti ]
Definitions
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 |
|---|---|
| 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.
|
| 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This term is somewhat outdated and can carry a negative connotation.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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terminology, incapacity often refers to a person's inability to manage their own affairs, leading to guardianship situations.
- Mental incapacity can affect one's ability to enter contracts; thus, contracts signed under duress or deception may be invalidated.
- Incapacity can also apply in civil rights contexts, as courts assess a person's ability before making decisions about guardianship.
Psychology
- Psychological incapacity may affect an individualโs mental health, influencing their capacity to make decisions or function day-to-day.
- Conditions like depression or anxiety can temporarily create a state of incapacity where individuals feel unable to perform usual tasks.
- Therapeutic practices often focus on helping individuals overcome feelings of incapacity through skill-building and support.
Medical Implications
- In medicine, incapacity may refer to a person's inability to make informed decisions about their care, especially in emergencies.
- Certain medical conditions, such as severe physical disabilities or cognitive impairments, can lead to a state of incapacity.
- Healthcare proxies or advance directives are often used to navigate decisions when a patient becomes incapacitated.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often face incapacity during challenges, such as a hero losing their powers temporarily, creating tension in the story.
- Literature frequently explores themes of incapacityโheroes or protagonists might deal with physical or emotional limitations that they need to overcome.
- Popular TV shows sometimes depict characters struggling with incapacity, highlighting both the drama and the personal growth that comes from overcoming obstacles.
Origin of 'incapacity'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'incapacitas', which combines 'in-' (not) and 'capacitas' (capacity or ability).
- It made its way into English in the early 1600s, reflecting a growing interest in legal and medical discussions about ability.
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.