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
For decades, scientists believed the sleeping brain was essentially offline, incapable of forming new memories.
—
Raghu Para, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
But Loomans suggests that an external system is fundamentally incapable of creating a Zen-like feeling of tranquillity and calm.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2025
Dallas’ defense is wholly incapable of stopping any opponent — so much so that team owner Jerry Jones had to sign veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney immediately after Sunday’s overtime shootout win against the Giants.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2025
All the teachers sat silently next to the crowd, completely incapable of controlling them.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incapable
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Raghu Para, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
But Loomans suggests that an external system is fundamentally incapable of creating a Zen-like feeling of tranquillity and calm.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2025
Dallas’ defense is wholly incapable of stopping any opponent — so much so that team owner Jerry Jones had to sign veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney immediately after Sunday’s overtime shootout win against the Giants.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2025
All the teachers sat silently next to the crowd, completely incapable of controlling them.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2025.
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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