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
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
The incapacity to proceed statute in North Carolina doesn’t expressly prevent applying it retroactively, Emry argues.
—
Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Then-Secretary of State Robert Lansing invoked Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution, which provides for the vice president to assume presidential duties in cases of incapacity.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Kumar believes the 25th Amendment − which creates a process to remove the president in case of incapacity or inability to serve − is the best remedy.
—David Plazas, The Tennessean, 7 Aug. 2024
But the ultimate failure was their incapacity to adapt to a new global political paradigm, particularly after the 2008 subprime crisis in the United States and the ensuing 2010 EU debt crisis.
—Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for incapacity 
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Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
Then-Secretary of State Robert Lansing invoked Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution, which provides for the vice president to assume presidential duties in cases of incapacity.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Kumar believes the 25th Amendment − which creates a process to remove the president in case of incapacity or inability to serve − is the best remedy.
—David Plazas, The Tennessean, 7 Aug. 2024
But the ultimate failure was their incapacity to adapt to a new global political paradigm, particularly after the 2008 subprime crisis in the United States and the ensuing 2010 EU debt crisis.
—Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for incapacity
Dictionary Entries Near incapacity
Cite this Entry
“Incapacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapacity. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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