incapacitated
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌɪn.kəˈpæs.ɪ.teɪ.tɪd/
KK: /ɪnˌkæpəˈseɪtɪd/
adjective
Definition
Not able to do things or function normally due to injury, illness, or other reasons.
Example
After the accident, he was incapacitated and needed help to recover.
Conversation
Did you hear about Mark's accident?
Yeah, I heard he was incapacitated for a while.
That's so unfortunate; I hope he recovers quickly.
Me too! It's tough when someone is incapacitated like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
disabled
impaired
weakened
Antonyms
capable
able
competent
verb
Definition
To make someone unable to do something, often due to injury or illness.
Example
The accident incapacitated him for several weeks.
Tense Forms
Past: incapacitated
Past Participle: incapacitated
Conversation
Did you hear about the accident on the highway last night?
Yeah, I heard it really incapacitated a few drivers.
That's terrible! I hope everyone is okay.
Root Explanation
Incapacitated → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "capacitare" (from "capax", meaning able or capable). The word describes a state of being not able or unable to function normally.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('in-') being able ('capax') to do something — that's why incapacitated means unable to function.
Visually Confused Words
uncapacitate
capacitate
discapacitate
capitated
recapacitate
capacitative