beyond capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that exceeds someone's or something's ability to perform or achieve. Example: "The complexity of the project was beyond capability for our current team, requiring additional expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The very high data rate (480 Mbps and beyond) capability of UWB technology would provide a compelling cable-replacement wireless technology.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

His discriminating tastes and humorous accounts of people and places, recorded in his diaries, were largely lost in the 1896 earthquake, but his absorption with natural beauty, which he held "exquisite, beyond capability of describing with brush" (1 ), survived in his landscapes.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some writers closely connected to bioethics and health policy have moved beyond capabilities theory with a twist toward beneficence and well-being.

SEP

Cabell advises that the suggestion is "beyond our capabilities" but not, apparently, beyond our consideration.

The New Yorker

"I thought it was beyond my capability," he added.

The New York Times

"You're asking a technology to operate beyond its capability".

The New York Times - Tech

Infusion pumps deliver medication with a precision beyond human capability.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, detecting such fossils is beyond the capability of the rover.

The New York Times

Those sums are far beyond the capability of the Continent's current rescue fund.

The New York Times

Video cameras guide them through feats well beyond the capability of the most dexterous human.

The New York Times

But responding verbally seems beyond their capability or, maybe, their inclination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond capability", clearly define what specific capability is being exceeded to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The task was beyond the capability of the existing software" is more precise than "The task was beyond capability".

Common error

Avoid using "beyond capability" as a vague dismissal. Instead of saying "That's beyond our capability", specify the resources, skills, or time constraints that make it so.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond capability" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something is outside the limits or scope of someone's or something's abilities or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beyond capability" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe situations exceeding someone's or something's limits. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across different contexts. Although categorized as "rare" in terms of frequency, it finds application across News & Media, Science, and Academia. When employing this phrase, clarity is key—specify precisely what capability is being surpassed to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of reach

Suggests something is inaccessible, whether physically or metaphorically, differing from inherent ability.

exceeding limitations

Focuses on surpassing defined restrictions or boundaries instead of directly referencing capability.

surpassing capacity

Highlights exceeding the maximum amount that something can contain or produce, differing from general ability.

beyond one's grasp

Refers to something that cannot be understood or attained, subtly different from capability.

outside the realm of possibility

Emphasizes impossibility rather than just lack of capability.

unfeasible

Emphasizes the impracticality of achieving something due to constraints or circumstances.

not within the scope

Indicates something is outside the defined area or extent of consideration or activity, not directly about ability.

unattainable

Stresses the impossibility of obtaining or acquiring something.

impossible to accomplish

Highlights the failure aspect and the impossibility of its completion.

unachievable

Focuses solely on the inability to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "beyond capability" in a sentence?

Use "beyond capability" to describe something exceeding the limits of someone's or something's abilities. For instance, "The project's complexity was "beyond capability" for the current team, necessitating external expertise".

What are some alternatives to saying "beyond capability"?

Alternatives include phrases like "out of reach", "exceeding limitations", or "surpassing capacity", depending on the intended nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "beyond capability"?

It's appropriate when referring to tasks, skills, or resources that are not sufficient or adequate for a particular purpose or challenge. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific capability is being referenced.

What's the difference between "beyond capability" and "impossible"?

"Beyond capability" indicates a lack of sufficient skill or resources to achieve something, while "impossible" suggests that something cannot be done under any circumstances. "Beyond capability" implies a potential for achievement with different resources or skills, whereas "impossible" does not.