I. (ˈ)in, ən+ adjective
Etymology: Middle French, from in- in- (I) + capable — more at capable
1. : lacking capacity, ability, or qualification for the purpose or end in view: as
a. obsolete : not able (as because of smallness) to take in, contain, hold, or keep
b. obsolete : not able to receive or endure : intolerant
c. archaic : not being in a state to receive so as to be affected or moved or so as to be sensible : not receptive : not susceptible
d. : not in a state or of a kind to admit : not able to admit : insusceptible — now used only with of
e. : not able or fit for the doing or performance : incompetent
an incapable helper
incapable of understanding the matter
incapable of doing the work
2.
a. : lacking legal qualification or power especially because of some fundamental legal disqualification
b. : lacking the personal ability, power, or understanding required in some legal matter ; especially : suffering from such a degree of mental or physical weakness as to require supervision of one's affairs by a court (as through a conservator) — compare incompetent , insane
c. : legally incompetent from any cause — not used technically
• in·capableness “+ noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
: one that is incapable or inefficient ; especially : a person (as an imbecile or a simpleton) that is so by reason of defective mentality