How to pronounce incapable
Say it like in-KAY-puh-bul. Incapable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce incapable. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- KAY
- puh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Incapable pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of incapable
American and British speakers say incapable in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/ in the US and /ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-KAY-puh-bul.
What does incapable mean?
- (followed by of) lacking capacity or ability“incapable of carrying a tune”“he is incapable of understanding the matter”
- not being susceptible to or admitting of something (usually followed by of)“incapable of solution”
- (followed by of) not having the temperament or inclination for“simply incapable of lying”
Where does incapable come from?
Borrowed from Middle French incapable, equivalent to in- + capable.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with incapable
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of incapable.
Questions about saying incapable
How do you pronounce incapable?
Say in-KAY-puh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/. In British English it is /ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in incapable?
Incapable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KAY). Broken into parts: in · KAY · puh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say incapable the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/ and the British form is /ɪnˈkeɪpəbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.