What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unable
Example
I am unable to attend the meeting tomorrow. [unable: adjective]
Example
She was unable to lift the heavy box by herself. [unable: adjective]
incapable
Example
He is incapable of fixing the computer issue. [incapable: adjective]
Example
The team was deemed incapable of winning the championship. [incapable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unable is more common than incapable in everyday language and is used in a wider range of contexts. Incapable is more formal and less frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unable and incapable?
Incapable is more formal than unable and is often used in professional or academic settings. Unable is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
