Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Incapable?

\In*ca"pa*ble\, a. [Pref. in- not + capable: cf. F. incapable, L. incapabilis incomprehensible.] 1. Wanting 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. Note: Incapable is often used elliptically. Is not your father grown incapable of reasonable affairs? --Shak. Syn: Incompetent; unfit; unable; insufficient; inadequate; deficient; disqualified. See {Incompetent}.
\In*ca"pa*ble\, n. One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.