Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reference
Translate
Web
incapable - 6 dictionary results

in⋅ca⋅pa⋅ble

[in-key-puh-buhl]
–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.
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


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


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.


1. able.
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.
  1. Usage Problem Not susceptible to action or treatment: a unique feat, incapable of duplication. See Usage Note at able.
  2. Law Lacking legal qualifications or requirements; ineligible.
in·ca'pa·bil'i·ty, in·ca'pa·ble·ness n., in·ca'pa·bly adv.

Incapable

In*ca"pa*ble\, a. [Pref. in- not + capable: cf. F. incapable, L. incapabilis incomprehensible.]

1. Wanting in ability or qualification for the purpose or end in view; not large enough to contain or hold; deficient in physical strength, mental or moral power, etc.; not capable; as, incapable of holding a certain quantity of liquid; incapable of endurance, of comprehension, of perseverance, of reform, etc.

2. Not capable of being brought to do or perform, because morally strong or well disposed; -- used with reference to some evil; as, incapable of wrong, dishonesty, or falsehood.

3. Not in a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit; as, incapable of pain, or pleasure; incapable of stain or injury.

4. (Law) Unqualified or disqualified, in a legal sense; as, a man under thirty-five years of age is incapable of holding the office of president of the United States; a person convicted on impeachment is thereby made incapable of holding an office of profit or honor under the government.

5. (Mil.) As a term of disgrace, sometimes annexed to a sentence when an officer has been cashiered and rendered incapable of serving his country.

Note: Incapable is often used elliptically.

Is not your father grown incapable of reasonable affairs? --Shak.

Syn: Incompetent; unfit; unable; insufficient; inadequate; deficient; disqualified. See Incompetent.

Incapable

In*ca"pa*ble\, n. One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.
Language Translation for : incapable
Spanish: incapaz,
German: unfähig,
Japanese: できない

incapable 
1601, from in- "not " + capable.

Main Entry: in·ca·pa·ble
Function: adjective
: lacking legal qualification or power (as by reason of mental incompetence) —see also INCAPACITY
Search another word or see incapable on Thesaurus | Reference