incapable
gb/ɪŋkˈeɪpəbəl/ us/ɪŋkˈeɪpəbəl/
B1
English
~ 4100
képtelen
B1
1
képtelen
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is incapable of [doing something]
She is incapable of lifting such a heavy box.
Képtelen felemelni egy ilyen nehéz dobozt.
He was incapable of telling a lie.
Képtelen volt hazudni.
The software is incapable of running on older computers.
They found him incapable of making decisions under pressure.
Learner examples
I am incapable of driving a car.
Képtelen vagyok autót vezetni.
She is incapable of cooking without a recipe.
Recept nélkül képtelen főzni.
He is incapable of speaking French.
The baby is incapable of walking yet.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'incapable' with 'incompetent'. 'Incapable' means not able at all, while 'incompetent' means not good at something.
Meaning
Not able to do something
Collocations
incapable of handling
|incapable of understanding
|incapable of love
|mentally incapable
|physically incapable
Synonyms
unable (Most direct synonym; slightly simpler and more common in everyday use.)
|
incompetent (Implies lack of skill or qualification, often with a negative judgment.)
Antonyms
capable (Direct opposite; means having the ability or skill to do something.)
|
able (Simpler opposite; stresses having the power or skill to do something.)
Themes
abilities
|daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not able to do something because you do not have the skill, strength, or knowledge.
Lacking the necessary ability, skill, or strength to perform a specific action or task.
Grammar
Dictionary form
incapable
IPA
GB/ɪŋkˈeɪpəbəl/
US/ɪŋkˈeɪpəbəl/
Syllables & stress
in - cap - able (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cap)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: incapable
Word family
Core family
Related words
capably
adverb
Advanced or less common
incapacitate
verb
Expressions
incapable of doing something
1/ɪŋkˈeɪpəbəl əv dˈuɪŋ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Not able to perform an action
Not able to do a particular thing.
Examples
- He is incapable of lying to his friends.
- The old machine is incapable of producing more than 50 units a day.