incapable
UK[ɪnˈkeɪpəbl̩]US[ɪnˈkeɪpəbl̩]
adj
Not having the ability, qualification, or strength to do something.
adj
Not able to behave rationally or manage one's affairs.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
cap
able
in
not
cap
take, hold
able
capable of
Etymology
The word "incapable" is built from Latin components that literally describe a state of being "not able to take hold." The core root cap- derives from the Proto-Indo-European root kap-, meaning "to grasp," which is the source of a vast family of words related to taking, holding, and containing, such as "capture," "capacity," and "receive." The negative prefix in- was attached to the Latin adjective capabilis ("able to hold"), which itself was formed from the verb capere ("to take") and the suffix -abilis indicating ability. Over time, the literal sense of being unable to physically grasp something broadened into the modern abstract meaning of lacking any form of ability, power, or qualification.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + cap (take, hold) + able (capable of)
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" or "without".
- cap: Latin origin, from the root capere meaning "to take, to seize, to hold".
- able: English suffix, from Latin -abilis, forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to".
Examples
He seemed incapable of understanding the seriousness of the situation.
The car was incapable of climbing the steep hill.
The court declared the patient mentally incapable of managing her own finances.