incapable
AdjectiveOpen English WordNet
Adjective (4)
- (followed by ‘of’) lacking capacity or ability“incapable of carrying a tune”“he is incapable of understanding the matter”“incapable of doing the work”Opposite capableSimilar unableRelates to capabilitySee also incompetent
- not being susceptible to or admitting of something (usually followed by ‘of’)“incapable of solution”Opposite susceptibleSimilar unsusceptible, insusceptible
- (followed by ‘of’) not having the temperament or inclination for“simply incapable of lying”Opposite capable
- not meeting requirements“unequal to the demands put upon him”Synonyms: incompetentunequal toOpposite adequateSimilar inadequate, unequal
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: Pref. in- not + capable: cf. F. incapable, L. incapabilis incomprehensible.
1. Lacking 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. Military As a term of disgrace, sometimes annexed to a sentence when an officer has been cashiered and rendered incapable of serving his country.
☞ Incapable is often used elliptically.
Is not your father grown incapable of reasonable affairs?— William Shakespeare
Synonyms: Incompetent; unfit; unable; insufficient; inadequate; deficient; disqualified. See Incompetent.
One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54