incapable of processing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incapable of processing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something cannot handle or manage a particular task or information. Example: "The outdated software is incapable of processing the large data sets required for the analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The digital revolution has left us increasingly incapable of processing fiction.

The Guardian - Opinion

We, the audience, felt similarly incapable of processing what was happening.

The Guardian - Sport

They make an abstract idea one dimensional, incapable of processing dynamic patterns or implicating situational spatiality.

Columbia University

They were simply incapable of processing so much information in real time.

The New York Times - Books

In an age of information overload, the human brain is incapable of processing the vast sea of data to translate information into knowledge.

Harvard Business Review

The Bitcoin network is incapable of processing more than seven transactions a second, a tiny volume for a technology with global ambitions.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

As such, parallelised solutions have been proposed but many exhibit scalability limitations and are incapable of effectively processing "Big Data" – the name attributed to datasets that are extremely large, complex and require rapid processing.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

"Struggling with the realization that their son was gone, [they] were incapable of emotionally processing the incident for several months after their son's death," the document states.

Los Angeles Times

Premised on the idea that individuals are incapable of cognitively processing consequences that are temporally or causally far removed from their actions, foreseeability requires courts to eliminate from the liability calculus certain low-probability occurrences when they are unlikely to have influenced an individual's decision at the time of action.

University of Chicago

Importantly, the recombinant SERA5 P126 used for these experiments was stable in the absence of parasite extracts, indicating it was incapable of autocatalytic processing.

Cellular Microbiology

Many in vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of monocyte-derived DCs to prime T cells, suggesting that IM-derived cells are not intrinsically incapable of antigen processing, presentation or T cell priming.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing limitations, be specific about what cannot be processed and why. For example, instead of saying "the system is incapable of processing data", specify "the system is incapable of processing data exceeding 1GB due to memory constraints".

Common error

Avoid using "incapable of processing" too broadly. Ensure the subject truly lacks the specific ability to process something, rather than simply struggling with it. Vague statements dilute the impact. For example, don't say "he's incapable of processing complex emotions", but rather "he struggles to process grief due to a lack of emotional support."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incapable of processing" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of ability to handle or manage something. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incapable of processing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of ability to handle, manage, or understand something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While alternatives like "unable to process" are available, "incapable of processing" offers a slightly more formal or technical tone. When using this phrase, be precise about the limitations and avoid overgeneralization to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to process

This alternative is a more direct and simpler way to express the same idea.

not equipped to handle

This alternative emphasizes the lack of necessary tools or resources.

lacking the capacity to process

This alternative uses more formal language and highlights the inherent limitation in ability.

deficient in processing ability

This alternative focuses on the deficiency in the specific skill or function of processing.

unable to cope with processing

This alternative suggests an inability to manage or deal with the demands of processing.

cannot manage to process

This alternative indicates a failure to successfully execute the processing task.

not designed for processing

This alternative highlights a fundamental incompatibility with the processing task.

ill-equipped for processing

This alternative suggests a lack of proper preparation or resources for the processing task.

powerless to process

This alternative indicates a lack of authority or control over the processing task.

incapable of dealing with

This alternative focuses on the general inability to handle a situation or task.

FAQs

What does "incapable of processing" mean?

The phrase "incapable of processing" means lacking the ability or capacity to handle, manage, or understand something. It implies a fundamental limitation in performing a specific task or function.

How can I use "incapable of processing" in a sentence?

You can use "incapable of processing" to describe entities unable to deal with specific inputs or tasks. For example: "The outdated software is "unable to process" the new file format", or "His mind was "unable to cope with" the traumatic event".

What are some alternatives to "incapable of processing"?

Alternatives to "incapable of processing" include "unable to process", "not equipped to handle", or "lacking the capacity to process" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unable to process" or "incapable of processing"?

Both "unable to process" and "incapable of processing" are correct, but "unable to process" is generally considered more direct and common in everyday language. "Incapable of processing" can sound more formal or technical.