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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Child and Dependent Care Credit: Provides a credit for a percentage of expenses paid for the care of qualifying individuals, such as children under 13 or a spouse or dependent who is incapable of self-care, to enable the taxpayer to work or look for work. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 The apartment belongs to Booth, who doesn’t work and seems incapable of holding down a job. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025 But Bentley seemed incapable of making a sluggish car, and for all its grandeur, the 8 Litre was something like an upscaled version of its sporty 3-, 4 ½, and 6 ½-liter siblings. Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025 Sadly, once incensed, the older Goodson brother is incapable of reason and cannot hear or contemplate a sensible argument. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incapable

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from in- + capable capable

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incapable was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incapable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapable. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

incapable

adjective
: not able to do something
incapable of cleaning her room thoroughly

Legal Definition

incapable

adjective
in·​ca·​pa·​ble
: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) see also incapacity

More from Merriam-Webster on incapable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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