Uncapable vs. Incapable — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 20, 2023
"Uncapable" is not standard in modern English, while "Incapable" means lacking the ability or qualifications to do something.
Difference Between Uncapable and Incapable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Usage & Standardization: "Uncapable" is an antiquated term that is seldom used in contemporary English. Its meaning, when it was in usage, mirrored that of "incapable." On the other hand, "Incapable" is widely recognized and used to denote a lack of ability or qualifications to carry out a particular task.
Origins: Both "Uncapable" and "Incapable" have origins in Middle English. While "Incapable" retained its presence and evolved over time in the lexicon, "Uncapable" gradually faded and is not standard in modern English.
Modern Context: Today, if someone uses "Uncapable," it's likely a mistake or a mispronunciation of "Incapable." "Incapable" is the accepted term to convey a lack of capability or skill.
Connotations: Both words, when "Uncapable" was in usage, suggested a lack of capacity or fitness for a task. But today, only "Incapable" carries that connotation in standard English.
Presence in Literature: Historical literature might feature "Uncapable" occasionally, reflecting older usage patterns. In contrast, "Incapable" has been and remains a common choice in both historical and modern works to describe insufficiency.
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Comparison Chart
Standardization
Not standard in modern English.
Widely recognized and used.
Origins
Middle English.
Middle English.
Modern Usage
Rare, likely an error.
Commonly used to denote lack of ability.
Connotations
Historically, lack of capacity (when used).
Denotes lack of capability or skill.
Presence in Literature
Found in older texts.
Common in both historical & modern works.
Compare with Definitions
Uncapable
Not competent in a particular area.
She felt uncapable of making the right decision.
Incapable
Lacking capacity or potential.
This soil is incapable of supporting crops.
Uncapable
Lacking the ability or capacity to do something.
He was uncapable of understanding the complex problem.
Incapable
Unable to achieve or accomplish due to a lack of ability.
He is incapable of understanding advanced mathematics.
Uncapable
Unable to achieve or accomplish.
The team was uncapable of meeting the deadline.
Incapable
Lacking the necessary skill or ability for a specific task.
He's incapable of telling a lie.
Uncapable
Not qualified or sufficiently knowledgeable.
He's uncapable of leading the project.
Incapable
Not having the physical or mental ability to do something.
After the accident, he was incapable of walking.
Uncapable
Unable to withstand or endure.
She's uncapable of such physical exertion.
Incapable
Not qualified or suited for a purpose.
She's incapable of handling such responsibility.
Uncapable
(obsolete) Not capable; incapable.
Incapable
Lacking the necessary ability, capacity, or power
Incapable of carrying a tune.
Incapable of love.
Uncapable
Incapable.
Incapable
Unable to perform adequately; incompetent
An incapable administrator.
Incapable
Not susceptible to action or treatment
A unique feat, incapable of duplication.
Incapable
Not meeting the physical and mental requirements imposed by law for the performance of a particular task.
Incapable
Not meeting the requirements necessary for proper legal functioning
A contract provision incapable of being enforced.
Incapable
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.
Incapable
Not in a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit.
Incapable of pain, or pleasure; incapable of stain or injury
Incapable
(dated) One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.
Incapable
Lacking in ability or qualification for the purpose or end in view; not large enough to contain or hold; deficient in physical strength, mental or moral power, etc.; not capable; as, incapable of holding a certain quantity of liquid; incapable of endurance, of comprehension, of perseverance, of reform, etc.
Incapable
Not capable of being brought to do or perform, because morally strong or well disposed; - used with reference to some evil; as, incapable of wrong, dishonesty, or falsehood.
Incapable
Not in a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit; as, incapable of pain, or pleasure; incapable of stain or injury.
Incapable
Unqualified or disqualified, in a legal sense; as, a man under thirty-five years of age is incapable of holding the office of president of the United States; a person convicted on impeachment is thereby made incapable of holding an office of profit or honor under the government.
Incapable
As a term of disgrace, sometimes annexed to a sentence when an officer has been cashiered and rendered incapable of serving his country.
Is not your father grown incapable of reasonable affairs?
Incapable
One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.
Incapable
(followed by `of') lacking capacity or ability;
Incapable of carrying a tune
He is incapable of understanding the matter
Incapable of doing the work
Incapable
Not being susceptible to or admitting of something (usually followed by `of');
Incapable of solution
Incapable
Lacking the necessary skill or knowledge etc.;
An incapable helper
Incapable
(followed by `of') not having the temperament or inclination for;
Simply incapable of lying
Incapable
Not meeting requirements;
Unequal to the demands put upon him
Common Curiosities
Can "Uncapable" and "Incapable" be used interchangeably?
While they may have had similar meanings historically, only "Incapable" is standard today.
Is "Incapable" an adjective?
Yes, "Incapable" is an adjective describing a lack of ability.
Why isn't "Uncapable" used anymore?
Language evolves, and "Uncapable" has become obsolete in favor of "Incapable."
What does "Incapable" mean?
"Incapable" means lacking the ability, qualifications, or capacity to do something.
Is "Uncapable" a standard English word?
No, "Uncapable" is not standard in modern English.
Are there other words similar to "Incapable"?
Yes, words like "unable" or "inept" can convey similar meanings.
Can "Uncapable" be found in historical literature?
Yes, "Uncapable" might appear in older texts, reflecting its historical usage.
How can I correct someone using "Uncapable"?
Politely suggest the word "Incapable" as the standard term.
Can "Incapable" refer to both physical and mental abilities?
Yes, it can refer to both physical and mental limitations.
Was "Uncapable" ever standard English?
It might have seen usage in older forms of English but isn't standard today.
Can "Incapable" describe both people and objects?
Yes, both people and objects can be described as "Incapable" based on context.
Can I use "Uncapable" in formal writing?
It's not recommended; "Incapable" is the accepted term.
Does "Incapable" always mean a permanent lack of ability?
No, it can describe a temporary or situational lack of capacity as well.
Is "Uncapable" a mispronunciation?
Today, it's likely considered a mistake or mispronunciation of "Incapable."
Why use "Incapable" over other similar words?
Word choice depends on context, but "Incapable" is a versatile term to describe a lack of ability.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
