Definitions

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.

"A society that is incapable of protecting its own children is a society which will one day start turning against itself."

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Today’s news suggests that cybersecurity firms are potentially incapable of protecting clients against bad actors using AI.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

She reached the conclusion that the son for whom she would have given her life was simply a man incapable of love.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

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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