incapable

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French incapable, in- +‎ capable

Pronunciation

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• IPA^(key): /ɪnˈkeɪpəbl̩/, /ɪŋˈkeɪpəbl̩/
• Hyphenation: in‧ca‧pable

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

Noun

incapable (plural incapables)

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

Etymology

From Latin incapabilis.

Adjective

incapable (plural incapables)

1. unable, incapable

Noun

incapable m (plural incapables, feminine incapable)

1. incompetent (person)

Further reading

• “incapable” in le Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).