capable
adjective
ca·pa·ble
ˈkā-pə-bəl 
in rapid speech ˈkāp-bəl
1
: susceptible
a remark capable of being misunderstood
2
obsolete
: comprehensive
3
: having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment
is capable of intense concentration
4
: having traits conducive to or features permitting something
This woman is capable of murder by violence …—
Robert Graves
Robert Graves5
: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform
… of my land … I'll work the means / To make thee capable.—William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare6
: having or showing general efficiency and ability
a capable lawyer
a capable performance
Examples of capable in a Sentence
a capable and efficient editor
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s envisioned as a regional draw capable of hosting youth hockey, skating events, tournaments and other large indoor gatherings.
—Kendrick Calfee
february 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
Williams is a consistent rotation player for the first time in his four seasons and has proven capable of scoring in bunches.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
From new technologies to shifting market demands, the RRC must be capable of modernizing operations and planning for long-term resilience.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Surfing Giant has been structuring its European plan as a connected network of bases capable of developing original shows and supporting multiple others.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for capable
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Kendrick Calfee
february 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026
Williams is a consistent rotation player for the first time in his four seasons and has proven capable of scoring in bunches.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
From new technologies to shifting market demands, the RRC must be capable of modernizing operations and planning for long-term resilience.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Surfing Giant has been structuring its European plan as a connected network of bases capable of developing original shows and supporting multiple others.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for capable
Cite this Entry
“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capable. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
capable
adjective
ca·pa·ble
ˈkā-pə-bəl
1
: having the qualities (as physical or mental power) to do or accomplish something
you are capable of better work
2
: having qualities or features permitting
a new train capable of very high speeds
3
: able to do one's job well : generally efficient
tries to hire capable people
capability
noun
ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē
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