SKIP TO CONTENT

incapable

/ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/

/ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/

IPA guide

Other forms: incapably

When — even when you want to go to your friends' party — you're incapable of telling your mother you are going to miss her birthday dinner, it means you just can't do it, and that you're a good person. Incapable means "unable."

If incapable means "unable," does capable mean "able"? Yes, but capable also can mean good at getting things done in general, while incapable less often has such a general meaning. You would say, "I'm incapable of making a decent loaf of bread." You'd be less likely to say, "I'm incapable in the kitchen."

Definitions of incapable
  1. adjective
    (followed by `of') lacking capacity or ability
    incapable of carrying a tune”
    “he is incapable of understanding the matter”
    incapable of doing the work”
    synonyms:
    unable
    (usually followed by `to') lacking necessary physical or mental ability
    incompetent
    not qualified or suited for a purpose
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    capable
    (usually followed by `of') having capacity or ability
    able
    having inherent physical or mental ability or capacity
    confident, sure-footed, surefooted
    not liable to error in judgment or action
    resourceful
    having inner resources; adroit or imaginative
    competent
    properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient
    show more antonyms...
  2. adjective
    not being susceptible to or admitting of something (usually followed by `of')
    incapable of solution”
    synonyms:
    insusceptible, unsusceptible
    not susceptible to
  3. adjective
    (followed by `of') not having the temperament or inclination for
    “simply incapable of lying”
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    capable
    (followed by `of') having the temperament or inclination for
  4. adjective
    not meeting requirements
    synonyms: incompetent, unequal to
    inadequate, unequal
    lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
Pronunciation
US

/ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/

UK

/ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/

Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
VocabTrainer™
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘incapable'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family