capable
adjective
ca·pa·ble
ˈkā-pə-bəl 
in rapid speech ˈkāp-bəl
1
: susceptible
a remark capable of being misunderstood
2
obsolete
: comprehensive
3
: having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment
is capable of intense concentration
4
: having traits conducive to or features permitting something
this woman is capable of murder by violence—
Robert Graves
Robert Graves5
: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform
of my land … to make thee capable—Shakespeare
Shakespeare6
: having or showing general efficiency and ability
a capable lawyer
a capable performance
Examples of capable in a Sentence
a capable and efficient editor
Recent Examples on the Web
Career rock stars are intrinsically motivated, never take no for an answer, are highly efficient and capable of seeing projects through to completion.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
One way to read LaFleur’s assessment is the Packers didn’t have pass rushers capable of winning one-on-ones often enough, so Hafley had to get creative with ways to generate pressure.
—Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Moreover, the fact that the naval base is meant to house vessels capable of launching long-range missiles signifies that Tehran is planning to conduct more long-distance strikes.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Its battalions have been smashed; all that is left is a ragtag insurgency capable only of hit-and-run tactics.
—Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for capable 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
One way to read LaFleur’s assessment is the Packers didn’t have pass rushers capable of winning one-on-ones often enough, so Hafley had to get creative with ways to generate pressure.
—Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Moreover, the fact that the naval base is meant to house vessels capable of launching long-range missiles signifies that Tehran is planning to conduct more long-distance strikes.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Its battalions have been smashed; all that is left is a ragtag insurgency capable only of hit-and-run tactics.
—Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for capable
Dictionary Entries Near capable
Cite this Entry
“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capable. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
capable
adjective
ca·pa·ble
ˈkā-pə-bəl
1
: having the qualities (as physical or mental power) to do or accomplish something
you are capable of better work
2
: having qualities or features permitting
a new train capable of very high speeds
3
: able to do one's job well : generally efficient
tries to hire capable people
capability
noun
ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share