— incapability, incapableness , n. — incapably , adv.
/in kay"peuh beuhl/ , adj.
1. not capable.
2. not having the necessary ability, qualification, or strength to perform some specified act or function: As an administrator, he is simply incapable.
3. without ordinary capability; incompetent.
4. incapable of ,
a. not having the ability, qualification, or strength for (a specified act or function).
b. not open to; not susceptible to or admitting: These materials are incapable of exact measurement.
c. legally unqualified for.
n.
5. a thoroughly incompetent person, esp. one of defective mentality.
[ 1585-95; incapabilis. See IN- 3 , CAPABLE ]
Syn. 1. INCAPABLE, INCOMPETENT, INEFFICIENT, UNABLE are applied to a person or thing that is lacking in ability, preparation, or power for whatever is to be done. INCAPABLE usually means inherently lacking in ability or power: incapable of appreciating music; a bridge incapable of carrying heavy loads. INCOMPETENT, generally used only of persons, means unfit or unqualified for a particular task: incompetent as an administrator. INEFFICIENT means wasteful in the use of effort or power: an inefficient manager; inefficient methods. UNABLE usually refers to a temporary condition of inability to do some specific thing: unable to relax, to go to a concert. 2. impotent, unqualified.
Ant. 1. able.