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.

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

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

But I also understand the rage of taxpayers who wonder why Los Angeles City Hall is so incapable of managing the basics.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 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

Sullivan was thirty-eight and incapable of cultivating the relationships that might have generated enough new commissions to keep him solvent.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

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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