Pronunciation: [ɪnkəpˈasɪti] (IPA) 
The word "incapacity" is spelled with two syllables, "in-capacity". The first syllable is pronounced as "ɪn", with the stress on the first vowel. It is followed by "kə", which is represented by the letter "c", and pronounced like the "c" in "cat". The second syllable is pronounced as "pæs-ɪ-ti", with the stress on the first vowel. The final "y" is pronounced as "ti". The phonetic transcription for "incapacity" is /ɪn.kəˈpæs.ɪ.ti/.
Incapacity is a noun that refers to the lack of ability, skill, or capacity to perform certain tasks or undertake certain responsibilities. It signifies an inherent limitation or disability that inhibits an individual's functioning in various domains of life.
Primarily used in a legal or medical context, incapacity typically emphasizes someone's mental or physical inability to handle their personal affairs or make informed decisions. In legal terms, it often relates to an individual's inability to manage their financial matters, enter into contracts, or make decisions regarding their own welfare. This could encompass conditions ranging from mental illness, severe cognitive impairment, or senility, to physical disabilities that prevent a person from acting autonomously.
In a broader sense, incapacity can also describe a general deficiency or insufficiency in performing a particular task or meeting specific demands. For example, a lack of proficiency or knowledge in a specific subject matter can be regarded as an incapacity to comprehend or execute tasks related to it. In professional settings, incapacity may signal an employee's inability to meet the minimum requirements or perform essential job functions.
Incapacity should not be mistaken for incompetence, which implies a lack of skill or qualification. Instead, it implies a fundamental limitation that restricts an individual's ability to function within certain capacities or fulfill specific obligations.
Want of natural power to receive, contain, or understand-applied to the mind; defect of understanding; inability; disqualification.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "incapacity" originates from the Latin word "incapacitas", which is a combination of the prefix "in-" (meaning "not") and "capax" (meaning "capable" or "able"). The term "incapacity" entered the English language in the late 16th century, derived from the Latin root, ultimately defined as the state of lacking capability, ability, or qualification.
