ENGLISH
REFERENCE

incapable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnˈkeɪpəbəɫ// UK //ɪnkˈeɪpəbəl// in·ca·pable Archaic

adj. not having the ability or strength to do something. You use this when someone cannot perform a task or lacks a specific skill.

adj. lacking the necessary ability, power, or fitness to perform a specific action. Often followed by the preposition 'of' and a gerund.


SIMPLE

He is incapable of lying to his friends.

CONTEXTUAL

The old computer was incapable of running the latest software because its processor was too slow.

COMPLEX

Despite his extensive training, the pilot found himself momentarily incapable of reacting to the sudden mechanical failure, paralyzed by the sheer scale of the emergency.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French incapable, equivalent to in- + capable.

Usage

Typically followed by the preposition 'of' and a noun or a verb ending in -ing.

Pitfall

incapable to do itincapable of doing itIncapable is followed by 'of' and a gerund, not a 'to' infinitive.

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