incapacitation

American  

[in-kuh-pas-i-tey-shuhn] / ɪn kəˌpæs ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the state of not having the necessary ability, qualification, or strength to perform some specified act or function; incapacity.

   When the brain lacks sufficient oxygen, cognitive and mental ability declines, followed by physical incapacitation, and then unconsciousness or even death.

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Etymology

Origin of incapacitation

First recorded in 1720–30; incapacitat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

"Mojtaba Khamenei appears to maintain broad oversight of decision-making, but nowhere near the same level of day-to-day management as his father, probably due to a combination of security concerns and physical incapacitation," said Sabet.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

“The incapacitation of an elected official is a material fact that should be disclosed to the public, rather than concealed by staff. Transparency, not cover-ups, should be the norm.”

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2024

They said without elaborating that suspected militia vessels accompanying Chinese coast guard ships used a long-range acoustic device that could impair hearing, causing “severe temporary discomfort and incapacitation to some Filipino crew.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 9, 2023

Advocates of the measure said advancements in medical science have led to a better understanding of pilot incapacitation.

From Reuters • Aug. 22, 2023

The thought of total incapacitation is rather horrifying.

From Through these Eyes The courageous struggle to find meaning in a life stressed with cancer by Isaacson, Lauren Ann

Related Words

• failure
• impotence
• incompetence
• inefficiency
• ineptitude
• lack
• shortcoming
• weakness