What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Unable vs Incapable - What's the difference?

unable | incapable |

Incapable is a synonym of unable.



As adjectives the difference between unable and incapable

is that unable is not able; lacking a certain ability while incapable is not capable (of doing something); unable.

As a noun incapable is

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

unable

English

Adjective

(-)
  • Not able; lacking a certain ability.
  • *{{quote-news, year=2011, date=December 21, author=Tom Rostance, work=BBC Sport
  • , title= Fulham 0-5 Man Utd , passage=Fulham switched off as Giggs took a quick corner to Valencia. He played it back to Giggs, whose cross was headed in by Nani with the lurking Rooney unable to add a touch. }}
  • *{{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-28, author=(Joris Luyendijk)
  • , volume=189, issue=3, page=21, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Our banks are out of control , passage=Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic […].  Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. […]  But the scandals kept coming, […]. A broad section of the political class now recognises the need for change but remains unable to see the necessity of a fundamental overhaul.}}
    Are you unable to mind your own business or something?

    Antonyms

    * able

    Anagrams

    *

    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.
  • ----