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Webster 1913 Edition


Incapable

In-ca′pa-ble

,
Adj.
[Pref.
in-
not +
capable
: cf. F.
incapable
, L.
incapabilis
incomprehensible.]
1.
Lacking in ability or qualification for the purpose or end in view; not large enough to contain or hold; deficient in physical strength, mental or moral power, etc.; not capable;
as,
incapable
of holding a certain quantity of liquid;
incapable
of endurance, of comprehension, of perseverance, of reform, etc.
2.
Not capable of being brought to do or perform, because morally strong or well disposed; – used with reference to some evil;
as,
incapable
of wrong, dishonesty, or falsehood
.
3.
Not in a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit;
as,
incapable
of pain, or pleasure;
incapable
of stain or injury.
4.
(Law)
Unqualified or disqualified, in a legal sense;
as, a man under thirty-five years of age is
incapable
of holding the office of president of the United States; a person convicted on impeachment is thereby made
incapable
of holding an office of profit or honor under the government.
5.
(Mil.)
As a term of disgrace, sometimes annexed to a sentence when an officer has been cashiered and rendered incapable of serving his country.
Incapable is often used elliptically.
Syn. – Incompetent; unfit; unable; insufficient; inadequate; deficient; disqualified. See
Incompetent
.

In-ca′pa-ble

,
Noun.
One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.

Definition 2024


incapable

incapable

English

Adjective

incapable (comparative more incapable, superlative most incapable)

  1. Not capable (of doing something); unable.
    A pint glass is incapable of holding more than a pint of liquid.
    I consider him incapable of dishonesty.
  2. Not in a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit.
    incapable of pain, or pleasure; incapable of stain or injury

Derived terms

Related terms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Translations

Noun

incapable (plural incapables)

  1. (dated) One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.

French

Etymology

From Latin incapabilis.

Adjective

incapable m, f (plural incapables)

  1. unable, incapable

Noun

incapable m (plural incapables, feminine incapable)

  1. incompetent (person)