Incapable — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl/ in·ca·pa·ble

Meaning & Definition of Incapable

Incapable (adjective)

  1. lacking capacity, ability, or qualification for the purpose or end in view
  2. not able or fit for the doing or performance, incompetent
  3. not being in a state or of a kind to admit, insusceptible

Incapable (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job

    "hired a supremely incapable assistant who only made a mess of things"

    similar: inapt, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful
    related: ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional, unequipped, unprepared, untrained, useless, worthless, disqualified, ineligible, wanting
    opposite: able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent
    near: prepared, ready, trained, overqualified, accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, virtuoso, all-around, protean, versatile

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Incapable

The most common words with a similar meaning to Incapable:

inapt, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Incapable

Words with the opposite meaning of Incapable:

able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent

Related Words for Incapable

ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional, unequipped, unprepared, untrained, useless, worthless, disqualified, ineligible, wanting

Near Antonyms of Incapable

prepared, ready, trained, overqualified, accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, virtuoso, all-around, protean, versatile

Word Forms of Incapable

Derived words: incapability (noun), incapableness (noun), incapably (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Incapable

Middle French, from in- + capable capable

First known use: 1594

Frequently Asked Questions about Incapable

What does "Incapable" mean?

"Incapable" means lacking capacity, ability, or qualification for the purpose or end in view. As an adjective, it is defined as: lacking capacity, ability, or qualification for the purpose or end in view.

What is another word for "Incapable"?

Other words for "Incapable" include inapt, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted and unqualified. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Incapable" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Incapable"?

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Incapable". Common alternatives include inapt, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled and unskillful.

What is the opposite of "Incapable"?

Antonyms of "Incapable" include able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled and skillful. Near antonyms include prepared, ready, trained and overqualified.

How do you use "Incapable" in a sentence?

Examples of "Incapable" in a sentence: "hired a supremely incapable assistant who only made a mess of things".

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

"Incapable" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Incapable"?

"Incapable" is pronounced /(ˌ)in-ˈkā-pə-bəl/ and divided into syllables as in·ca·pa·ble.

What is the origin of the word "Incapable"?

"Incapable" comes from Middle French, from in- + capable capable. First known use: 1594.