incapable

CEFRC1

/ɪnˈkeɪpəbl̩/

adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Unable to do or manage something.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    Not in a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit.

Examples

  • The child was incapable of understanding his father's death.

  • Ostriches are incapable of flight.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
4
Parts of speech
1
Citations
2
Synonyms
1

Also pronounced

  • /ɪŋˈkeɪpəbl̩/

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings

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

  2. Not capable (of doing something); unable.

More examples

In context

  • A pint glass is incapable of holding more than a pint of liquid.

  • incapable of pain, or pleasure; incapable of stain or injury

  • I consider him incapable of dishonesty.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

After the accident, the driver was blank of driving due to severe injuries.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

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