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Incapable vs Useless - What's the difference?

incapable | useless |

As adjectives the difference between incapable and useless

is that incapable is not capable (of doing something); unable while useless is without use or possibility to be used.

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

    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.
  • ----

    useless

    English

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • Without use or possibility to be used.
  • This fork has prongs that are bent. It's useless now.
  • Unhelpful, not useful; pointless (of an action).
  • I think it's useless to keep this discussion going. It's like talking to a wall.
    I tried my best to make him quit smoking, but my efforts were useless . He now smokes six packs a day.
  • (pejorative, of a person) good-for-nothing; not dependable.
  • Bill never mows the lawn, takes out the trash or anything. He's useless , but I love him anyways.
  • (colloquial, of a person) unable to do well at a particular task or thing. Useless is mildly insulting.
  • My brother is useless at most computer games, but he is an awesome PS2 player.
    Why do you keep trying? You're obviously useless at it.

    Synonyms

    * (good-for-nothing) good-for-nothing * (unable to do well) unskillful

    Antonyms

    * skillful, useful

    Derived terms

    * uselessly * uselessness