incapable
UK: ɪnˈkeɪpəb(ə)l | US: ɪnˈkeɪpəb(ə)l
adj. lacking the ability, qualification, or strength to do something
adj. (of a person) legally disqualified from performing a specific action
incapable = in<not> + cap<take/seize> + able<capable of>
- in-: Prefix meaning "not" (from Latin in-).
- cap-: Root derived from Latin capere ("to take, seize"), seen in words like capture or capacity.
- -able: Suffix meaning "capable of" (from Latin -abilis).
Etymology Origin:
The word incapable originates from Late Latin incapabilis, combining in- (negation) + capabilis ("able to hold"). The root cap- reflects the idea of "taking" or "holding," evolving into the modern sense of lacking the capacity or qualification. The suffix -able reinforces the notion of capability, making the term literally mean "not able to take/hold." Over time, it broadened to describe general inability.
She felt incapable of finishing the marathon due to her injury.
The law declares minors incapable of signing contracts.
His stubbornness made him incapable of accepting criticism.
The old printer is incapable of handling high-resolution images.
Without training, the team was incapable of operating the new software.