Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Incapable
In-ca′pa-ble
,Adj.
[Pref.
in-
not + capable
: cf. F. incapable
, L. incapabilis
incomprehensible.] 1.
Lacking 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 falsehood3.
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.
☞ Incapable is often used elliptically.
Syn. – Incompetent; unfit; unable; insufficient; inadequate; deficient; disqualified. See
Incompetent
. In-ca′pa-ble
,Noun.
One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.