incapable

[in-key-puh-buhl] / ɪnˈkeɪ pə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

not adequate; helpless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

impotent inadequate incompetent ineffective ineligible naive powerless unable unfit unqualified unsuited weak

WEAK

butterfingers disqualified feeble inept inexperienced inexpert inproficient insufficient losing not equal to not up to poor uncool unequipped unskilled unskillful

Antonyms

STRONGEST

able adequate capable competent effective experienced fit potent qualified ready skillful strong sufficient suitable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I wanted to dispel the idea that we are incapable of having loving, meaningful relationships.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

But there is one phenomenon that the game’s Ivy League whiz kids have proven completely incapable of figuring out: how the Milwaukee Brewers are always so good.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Elsewhere, a couple of people scrolled on their mobiles, seemingly incapable of focusing on the big screen.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Vance, though, is clearly incapable of such a spontaneous response.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Surely the similarities were inadvertent, he suggested, since Jackson was obviously a virtuous man and thus incapable of plagiarism.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing incapable

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 12–15

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A Wrinkle in Time

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