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.

On the left, Marine Tondelier of the Ecologists said the affair was a "symbol of a politico-judicial system incapable of handling the issue of sexist and sexual violence".

From BBC • Jun. 5, 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

In a rollicking monologue, Fry described all opera as comedy, tragedy merely being the result of idiotic egos incapable of levity.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

But Stephen Kellner was genetically incapable of deception.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram

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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