In-eā'pa-ble1, a.
a. [Prefix in, not, and capable; Fr. incapable, Lat. incapabilis.]
Sense 1. Wanting spatial capacity or largeness; not large or wide enough to contain or hold; as, a vessel is incapable of containing or holding a certain quantity of liquor.
Sense 2. Wanting physical strength for an effort or effect; as, incapable of lifting a weight, of running fast, of enduring fatigue, and the like.
Sense 3. Deficient in adequate intellectual power; mentally insufficient. “Incapable and shallow innocents.” Shak.
Sense 4. Morally weak with respect to a purpose; as, incapable of resisting temptation.
Sense 5. Not capable of being brought to do or perform, from being morally strong, fixed, or secure;—used with reference to things that are evil; as, incapable of a dishonest deed, or of falsehood.
Sense 6. Not in a state to suffer or receive; not susceptible; not admitting; as, a bridge incapable of reparation.
Sense 7. (Law.) Unqualified or disqualified, in a legal sense; not having the legal or constitutional qualifications; as, a man under thirty-five years of age is unqualified, and therefore incapable of holding the office of president of the United States; a man convicted on impeachment is disqualified, and therefore incapable of holding any office of honor or profit under the government.
Incapable is often used elliptically, as in the following passages.
Me ye know Incapable of ship or men to row. Chapman.
Is not your father grown incapable Of reasonable affairs. Shak.
She chanted snatches of old lauds, As one incapable of her own distress. Shak.
Synonyms—Incompetent; unfit; unable; disqualified. See INCOMPETENT.