incapacity
noun
in·ca·pac·i·ty
ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē 
-ˈpa-stē
plural incapacities
: the quality or state of being incapable
especially
: lack of physical or intellectual power or of natural or legal qualifications
Examples of incapacity in a Sentence
I'm aware of my weaknesses and incapacities.
her entrenched incapacity for decision-making doesn't make her a very good boss
Recent Examples on the Web
This definition also includes instance in which the victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (include due to the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because of age.
—
Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2025
The other top challenges included difficulty with identifying disruptions in real-time (26 percent), reduced agility in diverting orders to alternative suppliers or locales (25 percent), and an incapacity to meet compliance requirements on materials traceability (25 percent).
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Some readily agree and allow more flexibility for determining incapacity.
—Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
The incapacity to proceed statute in North Carolina doesn’t expressly prevent applying it retroactively, Emry argues.
—Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incapacity
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Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2025
The other top challenges included difficulty with identifying disruptions in real-time (26 percent), reduced agility in diverting orders to alternative suppliers or locales (25 percent), and an incapacity to meet compliance requirements on materials traceability (25 percent).
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Some readily agree and allow more flexibility for determining incapacity.
—Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
The incapacity to proceed statute in North Carolina doesn’t expressly prevent applying it retroactively, Emry argues.
—Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incapacity
Cite this Entry
“Incapacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incapacity. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incapacity
noun
in·ca·pac·i·ty
ˌin-kə-ˈpas-ət-ē
-ˈpas-tē
plural incapacities
: lack of ability or power
Legal Definition
incapacity
noun
in·ca·pac·i·ty
ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē
plural incapacities
1
: the quality or state of being incapable
especially
: lack of legal qualifications due to age or mental condition compare capacity
2
: the inability of an injured worker to perform the duties required in a job for which he or she is qualified compare disability sense 1
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