capable
Americanadjective
idioms
adjective
-
having ability, esp in many different fields; competent
-
able or having the skill (to do something)
she is capable of hard work
-
having the temperament or inclination (to do something)
he seemed capable of murder
Related Words
See able.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of capable
First recorded in 1555–65; from Late Latin capābilis “intelligent, understandable,” apparently equivalent to cap(āx) “competent, fit, roomy” ( see capacity) + -ābilis able
Explanation
To be capable of something is to be able to do it, like your little brother who is perfectly capable of tying his own shoes, but likes having everyone else do it for him. When people are capable, they can handle whatever task is at hand, like a capable teacher who can explain difficult concepts and make it fun. You may also have heard that someone "isn't capable" of, say, committing a crime or hurting someone's feelings. In this case, not being capable is a compliment — it means you just won't let yourself do something to violate your own standards for behavior.
Vocabulary lists containing capable
Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume
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List 1
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Schooled
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Still, if Njoku can stay healthy, he could give the Chargers a capable pass-catcher in multiple tight-end sets with Oronde Gadsden II, who had 664 receiving yards and three touchdowns as a rookie last season.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
The next year the court declared her “restored to reason” and capable of managing her own money.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026
You should take sick leave when you don’t feel mentally or physically capable of working.
From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026
It was the perfect snapshot of what Shaw is capable of - even when not at her best, she still scored twice and stepped up in the biggest moments.
From BBC • May 10, 2026
“It seems that I am capable of fighting,” said Roz.
From "The Wild Robot Protects" by Peter Brown
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
