capable

[key-puh-buhl] / ˈkeɪ pə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

able to perform

Synonyms

STRONGEST

able accomplished adept adequate competent efficient experienced gifted good intelligent proficient qualified skillful suited talented

WEAK

adapted apt au fait clever dynamite fireball fitted green thumb has what it takes having know-how having the goods having the right stuff knowing the ropes knowing the score like a one-man band like a pistol masterly old hand old-timer on the ball proper there up up to it up to snuff up to speed veteran

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clumsy green ignorant inadequate incapable incompetent ineffective inefficient inept inexperienced powerless stupid unable unintelligent unqualified unskilled unsuitable untalented useless weak

WEAK

impotent unskillful

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.

In Whitehall, some are amazed that a highly capable and experienced official took the decision to clear Mandelson for the job despite the vetting verdict, without lodging concern somewhere.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

He has been living in an apartment and has demonstrated that he is capable of living on his own with some support.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

According to the nonprofit Owl Research Institute, this stage is known as fledgling, when young birds leave the nest before they are fully capable of flight and begin exploring their surroundings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

“Any entity capable of causing the universe,” says narrator Stephen Meyer, a philosopher of science, “must be external to, or separate from, the universe itself. It must . . . transcend time and space.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Luc was a man of serious matters, a man who thought me capable of serious matters.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Vocabulary lists containing capable

Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 1

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Schooled

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!