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Incapable vs Inadequate - What's the difference?

incapable | inadequate | Synonyms |

As adjectives the difference between incapable and inadequate

is that incapable is not capable (of doing something); unable while inadequate is not adequate; unequal to the purpose; insufficient; deficient; as, inadequate resources, power, conceptions, representations, etc.

As a noun incapable

is one who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.

incapable

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Not capable (of doing something); unable.
    • A pint glass is incapable of holding more than a pint of liquid.
    I consider him incapable of dishonesty.
  • Not in a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit.
    • incapable''' of pain, or pleasure; '''incapable of stain or injury

    Derived terms

    * incapability * incapably

    Related terms

    * incapacitate * incapacitation

    Synonyms

    * (not capable) unable * (not in a state to receive) refusing

    Antonyms

    * capable

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (dated) One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.
    • ----

    inadequate

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (archaic)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Not adequate; unequal to the purpose; insufficient; deficient; as, inadequate resources, power, conceptions, representations, etc.
  • * 2013 June 18, , " Protests Widen as Brazilians Chide Leaders," New York Times (retrieved 21 June 2013):
    • In a convulsion that has caught many in Brazil and beyond by surprise, waves of protesters denounced their leaders for dedicating so many resources to cultivating Brazil’s global image by building stadiums for international events, when basic services like education and health care remain woefully inadequate .