incapacity

[in-kuh-pas-i-tee]

noun

1. lack of ability, qualification, or strength; incapability.

2. Law.,  lack of the legal power to act in a specified way or ways.

incapacity

/ ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of power, strength, or capacity; inability

2. law

   1. legal disqualification or ineligibility

   2. a circumstance causing this

Word History and Origins

Origin of incapacity¹

From the Late Latin word incapācitās, dating back to 1605–15. See in- ³, capacity

Example Sentences

“Eugenics was initially focused on disability, intellectual incapacity, mental illness,” Stern told me.

From Los Angeles Times

The Commission on Judicial Performance, the state agency responsible for probing complaints of judicial misconduct and incapacity as well as disciplining judges, issued its findings in August.

From Los Angeles Times

The two French ministers, who have both since spoken to the woman, said she had been signed off work for 15 days because of "temporary incapacity".

From BBC

This is projected to be a net benefit to 3.8 million households and the government argues it will also increase the incentives for people to work rather than claim incapacity benefits.

From BBC

Under the government's proposals, claimants will not be eligible to get this incapacity top-up until they are aged 22 or over.

From BBC