# incapacitated

/ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪˌteɪtɪd/ (US) · /ɪnkəpˈæsɪtˌeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incapacitated
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

unable to do things normally because of an injury, illness, or lack of strength.

For teachers: deprived of the physical or mental capacity to perform normal functions. Often used to describe a temporary or permanent state resulting from trauma or medical conditions.

## Examples

- He was incapacitated by a bad back injury.
- The flu was so severe that it incapacitated half the office staff for over a week.
- The legal document outlines who should manage the estate if the owner becomes mentally incapacitated and can no longer make sound financial decisions.

## Usage notes

- Often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'; frequently paired with the preposition 'by'.

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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.