incapable
adjective
in·ca·pa·ble
(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl 
1
: lacking capacity, ability, or qualification for the purpose or end in view: such as
a
: not able or fit for the doing or performance : incompetent
b
: not being in a state or of a kind to admit : insusceptible
c
archaic
: not able to take in, hold, or keep
d
archaic
: not receptive
2
: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) : disqualified
Examples of incapable in a Sentence
hired a supremely incapable assistant who only made a mess of things
Recent Examples on the Web
This definition also includes instance in which the victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (include due to the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because of age.
—
Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
The choice was viewed by many at the school as the latest affront in a long history of treating the deaf as incapable of functioning without help from the hearing.
—David Owen, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Before then, shadow president Elon Musk will try to illegally fire most of its staff, rendering the NLRB incapable of conducting union representation elections or investigating discrimination against union activists.
—Shaun Richman, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
Regardless, there was no reason for Minnesota to not get better last-second looks Tuesday against a Denver team that’s proven incapable of guarding the Wolves.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incapable
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Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
The choice was viewed by many at the school as the latest affront in a long history of treating the deaf as incapable of functioning without help from the hearing.
—David Owen, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Before then, shadow president Elon Musk will try to illegally fire most of its staff, rendering the NLRB incapable of conducting union representation elections or investigating discrimination against union activists.
—Shaun Richman, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
Regardless, there was no reason for Minnesota to not get better last-second looks Tuesday against a Denver team that’s proven incapable of guarding the Wolves.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incapable
Cite this Entry
“Incapable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapable. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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incapable
adjective
in·ca·pa·ble
(ˈ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl
: not able to do something
incapable of cleaning her room thoroughly
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