noun

incapacity

in-kuh-PAS-ih-tee/ˌɪnkəˈpæsəti/

Lack of ability to act or carry out a task.

The hand splints cause a temporary incapacity to tie the shoelaces.

Adult with both hands temporarily in soft splints looks unable to tie shoelaces, shoes and loose laces foreground, dignified non-stereotyped depiction.

Etymology

inLatinnot

+capacLatinable to hold much; capable

+ityLatinstate or quality

Capax pictures capability as room to hold or receive something; the negative noun expresses its absence. In legal use, this becomes a lack of qualification to take, receive, or deal with something.

In context

Cali BBQ Media32:47

when I started to not recognize myself and have almost like an incapacity to take care of other as well I I really had to come and look back

Find Out How This Restaurateur Uses Events To Provide Unique Customer Experiences

More examples

The report documented his incapacity to carry out the task.
A lack of training contributed to the team’s incapacity.
The agreement addressed periods of incapacity.

Forms

incapacity

incapacitate verb — make unable to act

Similar words

inability: Inability is the ordinary equivalent; incapacity often appears in formal, medical, or legal contexts.
disability: Disability is a broader condition affecting activities; incapacity concerns inability to perform a particular act or role.