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Incapable vs Powerless - What's the difference?

incapable | powerless |

As adjectives the difference between incapable and powerless

is that incapable is not capable (of doing something); unable while powerless is lacking sufficient power or strength.

As a noun incapable

is (dated) 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.
    • ----

    powerless

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Lacking sufficient power or strength.
    • You are powerless to stop me
  • *
  • Lacking legal authority.
    • The traffic warden was powerless to stop me driving away.

    Derived terms

    * powerlessness * superpowerless

    Synonyms

    * strengthless * weak * vulnerable

    Antonyms

    * powerful * strong