incapable — not having the ability, skill, or quality necessary to do something
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not having the ability, skill, or quality necessary to do something
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/
Example Sentences
- My cat is incapable of using chopsticks, but somehow always steals my sushi
- He seems incapable of arriving on time for any appointment
- I'm incapable of solving this math problem without a calculator
incapable
ADJECTIVE[/ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/]
not having the ability, skill, or quality necessary to do something

He was incapable of lifting the heavy box by himself.

The old computer was incapable of running modern software. (INABILITY + CAPABLE = INCAPABLE)

The unstable system became incapable of completing what once seemed impossible.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from 16th-century French, this word combines the negation prefix in- with capable, which evolved from Latin capere (to seize, take). The term literally means 'not able to' or 'lacking the ability to do something'.
Breakdown
in- (not, without) + capable (able to; from Latin capere, to seize or take).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat is incapable of using chopsticks, but somehow always steals my sushi”
“He seems incapable of arriving on time for any appointment”
“I'm incapable of solving this math problem without a calculator”
“My grandfather is incapable of sending a text message, but he's a master at fixing cars”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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