adjective
incapable
in-KAY-puh-bul/ɪnˈkeɪpəbl/
Unable to do or experience something.
She is incapable of reaching the high shelf even on tiptoe.
Etymology
Capabilis connects ability with being able to grasp or hold something, including taking it in mentally. The negative prefix turns that capacity into inability to understand or act.
In context
Setbacks don't mean you're weak or incapable. They mean you're human.
More examples
- The damaged machine was incapable of starting.
- He seemed incapable of telling a deliberate lie.
- The small team was incapable of handling that workload alone.
Forms
incapable
Similar words
- unable
- The simpler word for lacking the ability to do something.
- incompetent
- Incompetent criticizes lack of skill rather than inability for any reason.