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
incapable of understanding the task
b
: not being in a state or of a kind to admit : insusceptible
incapable of telling a lie
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
Last season, when City won just 11 of 31 games in all competitions and often looked physically incapable of playing a full 90 minutes, Guardiola felt under pressure again.
—
Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 May 2026
This often surprises people because, biologically speaking, humans aren’t entirely incapable of detecting UV light.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
More than half the field was involved in crashes during the first two segments, eliminating Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain and leaving Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson with damaged cars incapable of contending.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
In a nutshell, Emilia resents her dad for decades of poor behavior, including a drinking problem that Martínez, who’s been sober for several years now, seems incapable of acknowledging.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for incapable
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Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 May 2026
This often surprises people because, biologically speaking, humans aren’t entirely incapable of detecting UV light.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
More than half the field was involved in crashes during the first two segments, eliminating Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain and leaving Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson with damaged cars incapable of contending.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
In a nutshell, Emilia resents her dad for decades of poor behavior, including a drinking problem that Martínez, who’s been sober for several years now, seems incapable of acknowledging.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for incapable
Cite this Entry
“Incapable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapable. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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