incapacity

/ˌɪn.kəˈpæs.ə.ti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪn.kəˈpæs.ə.t̬i/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-tē -ˈpa-stē/ (ame, mw)

incapacity — noun

1. the state of lacking the strength, skill, or legal right needed to do a particul

1.名詞C1
釋義

the state of lacking the strength, skill, or legal right needed to do a particular thing.

例句

After the stroke, Erik faced a long-term incapacity to walk without help.

incapacity to + infinitive pattern

The judge cited the elderly woman's mental incapacity when appointing a guardian.

legal context: mental incapacity

同義詞
  • inability

    more everyday and neutral; works in casual speech

  • disability

    specifically a long-term physical or mental condition

  • powerlessness

    stresses the lack of control rather than a missing skill

反義詞
  • capacity

    the formal opposite — having the strength or right to do something

  • ability

    general opposite, used in everyday contexts

文法句型

incapacity to do something

incapacity for something

用法筆記

Frequently appears in formal, legal, or medical writing. Often paired with adjectives like 'mental', 'physical', 'legal', or 'temporary'. Rare in casual speech, where 'inability' is preferred.

常見錯誤

❌He has incapacity in math.
✅He has an inability in math.
💡'incapacity' suggests a serious or formal lack, not an ordinary weakness in a school subject.
❌She felt incapacity to finish her coffee.
✅She was unable to finish her coffee.
💡'incapacity' is too strong and too formal for everyday situations.