French word

incapable

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃kapabl/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunable

Example

Je suis incapable de mentir.

I am unable to lie.

Illustration for incapable (unable)

More examples

Après la maladie, il était incapable de marcher.

After the illness, he was incapable of walking.

Core concept

A person stands before a task while the ability or means needed to do it is unavailable.

Common phrases

  • incapable de travailler

    incapable of working

  • être incapable de

    be incapable of

Similar words

incompétent: Unable to do a job well because of insufficient knowledge or skill.
maladroit: Awkward and unskilled in physical movements or handling objects.
impuissant: Unable to achieve a desired outcome because of limited power or resources.

Definition in French

Qui est dans l'impossibilité, momentanée ou durable, d'effectuer une action; souvent suivi de « de + infinitif ».

Word origin

French incapable is formed with the negative prefix in- from capable, whose Latin ancestor capabilis derives from capere, meaning 'to take or hold'.

Usage tips

  • Incapable can describe a temporary inability, whereas incompétent usually describes inadequate professional skill or judgment.

Other meanings

  • incompetentadjective
  • powerlessadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word