incapable

UK /ɪnˈkeɪpəbl̩/ US /ɪnˈkeɪpəbl̩/

adj 2noun 1

Definitions

adj

Not capable (of doing something); unable.

A pint glass is incapable of holding more than a pint of liquid.

I consider him incapable of dishonesty.

Not in a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit.

incapable of pain, or pleasure; incapable of stain or injury

noun

One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.

Collocations

(adj.)

VERBS

appear, be, feel, prove, seem

become

make sb, render sb

The injury rendered her incapable of playing tennis for several months.

adjudge sb, deem sb

ADV

absolutely, completely, quite, totally, utterly, wholly

almost

largely

clearly

inherently

constitutionally, temperamentally

He seems temperamentally incapable of taking anything seriously, even during important meetings.

physically

After the accident, she was physically incapable of lifting anything heavy for several months.

mentally

My grandmother became mentally incapable after her stroke, so we had to manage her finances.

PREP

She felt incapable of making any important decisions after such a stressful day.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

adjective — not meeting requirements

incompetent

Antonyms

capable

Idioms & Phrases

Example Bank

A pint glass is incapable of holding more than a pint of liquid.

Wiktionary

I consider him incapable of dishonesty.

Wiktionary

The British people seem incapable of avoiding the habit of leaving litter wherever they go, and the railways certainly seem to receive their fair share of it, in carriages and on stations.

Wiktionary

Ostriches are incapable of flight.

Tatoeba · #40839

The child was incapable of understanding his father's death.

Tatoeba · #47448

The building is incapable of repair.

Tatoeba · #48305

Usage Notes

i Register

In some senses, incapable is marked as dated. Watch for register when choosing this word.

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