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
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Once upon a time, Alito’s claims of systemic danger and state incapacity would have been dismissed as the rantings of a mountain survivalist. 
Corey Robin, The New Yorker, 9 July 2022 Barring the senator’s obvious incapacity, one individual shouldn’t have the power to pick California’s two senators. Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2022 These benefits ensure that the financial burden of incapacity won’t derail all your other plans for your estate. Joseph Milano, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022 Who wants to talk about their own death, incapacity, even retirement? Jayme Deerwester, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2022 Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity. Moran Zavdi, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2021 Political and economic incapacity in many fledgling nation-states also forced their leaders to seek help from their former overlords. Pankaj Mishra, The New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2021 That is exceptionally dangerous because many doctors are reluctant to get involved in a legal question of incapacity. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 15 Nov. 2021 In court, Superior Court Judge Cheri Pham told the victims’ family members that Gonzalez’ incapacity forced her to halt proceedings. Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2021 See More
Corey Robin, The New Yorker, 9 July 2022 Barring the senator’s obvious incapacity, one individual shouldn’t have the power to pick California’s two senators. Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2022 These benefits ensure that the financial burden of incapacity won’t derail all your other plans for your estate. Joseph Milano, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022 Who wants to talk about their own death, incapacity, even retirement? Jayme Deerwester, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2022 Therefore, when capable, feign incapacity; when active, inactivity. Moran Zavdi, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2021 Political and economic incapacity in many fledgling nation-states also forced their leaders to seek help from their former overlords. Pankaj Mishra, The New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2021 That is exceptionally dangerous because many doctors are reluctant to get involved in a legal question of incapacity. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 15 Nov. 2021 In court, Superior Court Judge Cheri Pham told the victims’ family members that Gonzalez’ incapacity forced her to halt proceedings. Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
French incapacité, from Middle French, from in- + capacité capacity
First Known Use
1611, in the meaning defined above
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
incapacity
noun
as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means her entrenched incapacity for decision-making doesn't make her a very good boss Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- inability
- incapability
- incompetency
- incompetence
- impotence
- ineptitude
- powerlessness
- insufficiency
- inadequacy
- disqualification
- inaptitude
- inefficiency
- ineffectiveness
- inefficacy
- ineffectuality
- ineffectualness
- inefficaciousness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- ability
- competence
- capacity
- competency
- adequacy
- capability
- potency
- talent
- gift
- aptitude
- efficiency
- endowment
- genius
- effectiveness
- flair
- knack
- power
- strength
- bent
- suitability
- fitness
- efficaciousness
- potency
- effectualness
- suitableness
- puissance
- sinew