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.

Honestly, the only person who appears incapable of time travel at this point is Jamie.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

“Either they see us as small children incapable of having things explained to them, or they believe such explanation is beneath them,” it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

But she was miserably nervous too, incapable of stepping around the inanities.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!