incapacity

noun

in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē 

-ˈpa-stē

plural incapacities

: the quality or state of being incapable

especially : lack of physical or intellectual power or of natural or legal qualifications

Synonyms

• impotence
• inability
• inadequacy
• incapability
• incompetence
• incompetency
• ineptitude
• insufficiency
• powerlessness

Examples of incapacity in a Sentence

I'm aware of my weaknesses and incapacities.

her entrenched incapacity for decision-making doesn't make her a very good boss

Recent Examples on the Web

But because of the incapacity of the LAF, Israeli mistrust of UNIFIL, the absence of an enforcement provision, and Hezbollah’s influence over decision-making in Beirut, Resolution 1701 was never fully implemented. —Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2024

Exceptions include people who submitted a voter removal request or those who cannot vote because of criminal convictions or mental incapacity. —April Rubin, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024

Whether for yourself or on behalf of your minor children, individuals can nominate agents to manage their affairs during times of absence or incapacity. —Ashley Case, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

Sleeping Beauty: Planning For Incapacity Aurora’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of planning for incapacity. —Ashley Case, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French incapacité, from Middle French, from in- + capacité capacity

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

incapacity

noun

in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpas-ət-ē 

-ˈpas-tē

plural incapacities

: lack of ability or power

Legal Definition

incapacity

noun

in·​ca·​pac·​i·​ty ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē 

plural incapacities

1

: the quality or state of being incapable

especially : lack of legal qualifications due to age or mental condition compare capacity

2

: the inability of an injured worker to perform the duties required in a job for which he or she is qualified compare disability sense 1