Definition Definition

incapable - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'incapable' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Incapable [ a.]
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- As a term of disgrace, sometimes annexed to a sentence when an officer has been cashiered and rendered incapable of serving his country.
2 . Incapable [ n.]
- One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.

Meaning of 'incapable' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . incapable [ a]
Meaning (1):
- (followed by `of') lacking capacity or ability
Example in sentence:
  • he is incapable of understanding the matter;
  • incapable of carrying a tune;
  • incapable of doing the work
Meaning (2):
- (followed by `of') not having the temperament or inclination for
Example in sentence:
  • simply incapable of lying
3 . incapable [ s]
Meaning (3):
- not being susceptible to or admitting of something (usually followed by `of')
Example in sentence:
  • incapable of solution
Meaning (4):
- not meeting requirements
Example in sentence:
  • unequal to the demands put upon him