- past tense form of incapacitate.
- past participle of incapacitate.
incapacitated
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of incapacitated
First recorded in 1795–1805; incapacitate + -ed 2
Explanation
If you’ve been sick with the flu for a week, barely able to get out of bed, then you’ve got an idea of what it’s like to be incapacitated. Incapacitated means "empty of strength," "helpless," or "powerless." Incapacitated is an adjective that describes a state where you don’t have the capacity, or ability, to accomplish something. When someone becomes incapacitated, illness or injury is usually to blame. Incapacitated can also mean "ineligible." For instance, if you are too old to join the army, then your age makes you incapacitated from serving in the army.
Vocabulary lists containing incapacitated
Into the Wild
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Outliers
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Mockingjay
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
He actually wanted to figure out who, aside from a relative, he could hire to act as executor of his estate and to have durable power of attorney should he become incapacitated.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 20, 2026
When and how should we discuss our finances, final wishes and preferences in case we become mentally incapacitated?
From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026
The first incident happened on Wednesday laste week when the team evacuated a German man who was described as "incapacitated" near the remote Rowchoish Bothy.
From BBC • May 20, 2026
It defines a fully disabled veteran as one who is blind in both eyes, has lost the use of at least two limbs, or is otherwise incapacitated due to an injury or disease.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
It’s not until an hour or two after each and every one of the incapacitated folks has been cleaned, fed, and parked outside their doors that it’s safe to poke your head out.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
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.
