# incapable

/ˌɪnˈkeɪpəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɪnkˈeɪpəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incapable
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. unable to do something

adjective · CEFR B2

not able to do something because you lack the skill, strength, or power.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. not receptive

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

not able to receive or take something in.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a weak person

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a person who is seen as weak or not able to take care of themselves.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He is incapable of lying to his friends.
- The old computer was incapable of running the latest software because its processor was too slow.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.