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incapability

 - 4 dictionary results

in⋅ca⋅pa⋅ble

  [in-key-puh-buhl]
Use incapability in a Sentence
–adjective
1. not capable.
2. not having the necessary ability, qualification, or strength to perform some specified act or function: As an administrator, he is simply incapable.
3. without ordinary capability; incompetent.
–noun
4. a thoroughly incompetent person, esp. one of defective mentality.
—Idiom
5. incapable of,
a. not having the ability, qualification, or strength for (a specified act or function).
b. not open to; not susceptible to or admitting: These materials are incapable of exact measurement.
c. legally unqualified for.
Origin:
1585–95; < LL incapābilis. See in- 3 , capable

Related forms:
in⋅ca⋅pa⋅bil⋅i⋅ty, in⋅ca⋅pa⋅ble⋅ness, noun
in⋅ca⋅pa⋅bly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. Incapable, incompetent, inefficient, unable are applied to a person or thing that is lacking in ability, preparation, or power for whatever is to be done. Incapable usually means inherently lacking in ability or power: incapable of appreciating music; a bridge incapable of carrying heavy loads. Incompetent, generally used only of persons, means unfit or unqualified for a particular task: incompetent as an administrator. Inefficient means wasteful in the use of effort or power: an inefficient manager; inefficient methods. Unable usually refers to a temporary condition of inability to do some specific thing: unable to relax, to go to a concert. 2. impotent, unqualified.

Antonyms:
1. able.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To incapability
in·ca·pa·ble   (ĭn-kā'pə-bəl)   
adj.  

    1. Lacking the necessary ability, capacity, or power: incapable of carrying a tune; incapable of love.

    2. Unable to perform adequately; incompetent: an incapable administrator.

  2. Usage Problem Not susceptible to action or treatment: a unique feat, incapable of duplication. See Usage Note at able.

  3. Law Lacking legal qualifications or requirements; ineligible.

in·ca'pa·bil'i·ty, in·ca'pa·ble·ness n., in·ca'pa·bly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

incapable 
1601, from in- "not " + capable.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: in·ca·pa·ble
Function: adjective
: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) —see also INCAPACITY
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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