Word
incapable
Phoneticsin·ca·pable
US/ˌɪnˈkeɪpəbəɫ/
UK/ɪnkˈeɪpəbəl/
Definitions
01unable to do something
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not able to do something because you lack the skill, strength, or power.
adj. lacking the necessary ability, capacity, or power to perform a specific action. Usually followed by the preposition 'of'.
“The old engine was incapable of pulling such a heavy load up the hill.”
“Despite his extensive training, the pilot found himself incapable of stabilizing the aircraft during the severe atmospheric turbulence.”
Usage
Typically used in the pattern 'incapable of doing something'.
Pitfall
He is incapable to finish the work.
He is incapable of finishing the work.
The adjective 'incapable' is followed by 'of' and a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Synonyms
02not receptive
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. not able to receive or take something in.
adj. not in a state to receive, admit, or be susceptible to something. Often used in technical or philosophical contexts.
“The dry, hard soil was incapable of absorbing the sudden rain.”
“The philosopher argued that certain minds are simply incapable of receiving complex abstract truths without prior rigorous instruction.”
Teaching tip
This sense is much rarer than the general 'unable' sense and is mostly found in formal writing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a weak person
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic
n. a person who is seen as weak or not able to take care of themselves.
n. a person who is mentally or physically weak, or otherwise lacking in efficiency or competence.
“In the old story, the king was surrounded by incapables who could not lead.”
“The harsh social policies of the era often grouped the elderly and the infirm together as social incapables.”
Usage
Used as a countable noun, often in the plural.
Teaching tip
This noun use is dated and can sound offensive; students should avoid using it in modern conversation.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Here is a strange, heavy-handed and unpersuasive black comedy which owes what success it has to the star-power of its lead, Saoirse Ronan, who is incapable of giving an uninteresting performance.” “Perversely, until that point they had seemed incapable of retaining the ball in key positions.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French incapable, equivalent to in- + capable.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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