Capable — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈkā-pə-bəl/ ca·pa·ble

Meaning & Definition of Capable

Capable (adjective)

  1. susceptible
  2. comprehensive
  3. having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment

Capable (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance

    "a capable and efficient editor"

    similar: able, competent, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable, on the ball
    related: accomplished, ace, adept, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced, proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, veteran, overqualified, prepared, schooled, trained, apt, ready, willing, all-around, protean, versatile
    opposite: incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified
    near: inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful, unprepared, unschooled, untrained, beginning, green, new, raw, untested, untried

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Capable

The most common words with a similar meaning to Capable:

able, competent, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable, on the ball

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Capable

Words with the opposite meaning of Capable:

incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified

Related Words for Capable

accomplished, ace, adept, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced, proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, veteran, overqualified, prepared, schooled, trained, apt, ready, willing, all-around, protean, versatile

Near Antonyms of Capable

inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful, unprepared, unschooled, untrained, beginning, green, new, raw, untested, untried

Word Forms of Capable

Derived words: capableness (noun), capably (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Capable

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis, irregular from Latin capere to take heave:1

First known use: 1579

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Capable

Words & Phrases Containing Capable

capable de tout

Frequently Asked Questions about Capable

What does "Capable" mean?

"Capable" means susceptible. As an adjective, it is defined as: susceptible.

What is another word for "Capable"?

Other words for "Capable" include able, competent, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable and on the ball. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Capable" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Capable"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Capable". Common alternatives include able, competent, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable and on the ball.

What is the opposite of "Capable"?

Antonyms of "Capable" include incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted and unqualified. Near antonyms include inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned and unskilled.

How do you use "Capable" in a sentence?

Examples of "Capable" in a sentence: "a capable and efficient editor".

Is "Capable" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Capable" is an adjective.

Is "Capable" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Capable" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Capable"?

"Capable" is pronounced /ˈkā-pə-bəl/ and divided into syllables as ca·pa·ble.