incapacitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "incapacitated" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means to render someone unable to act or function, usually due to injury, illness, or some other form of physical or mental impairment. For example: The car crash left him so seriously injured he was incapacitated for several months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These days very few people are arrested, despite being incapacitated," said Mann, who is a senior emergency medicine doctor in Musgrove Park hospital in Taunton.

The Guardian

But a prison service order provides that release under this power can be ordered only if the prisoner is terminally ill or physically incapacitated and other conditions are met.

The Guardian

Howard Ryan, a ballistics expert, testified for the state that Kyle was immediately incapacitated by the bullets and was not facing the shooter.

The Guardian

After her dad died, her mum was left incapacitated – she had done all the caring and he looked after everything financial, so she had no clue about bills or whether there was a mortgage.

The Guardian

And it slams the government Minerals Management Service for being so cowed and incapacitated by industry deregulatory pressure that it failed to exert any serious oversight either.

The Economist

Only 4.5% of the workforce claim unemployment benefit, but around a fifth of working-age adults are officially incapacitated, so the effective unemployment rate is above 25%.In this section Collateral damage Throwing in the keys Keyhole operation Sharing the wealth A hard pounding for Mr Brown?

The Economist

"I lost my health forever when I was 20," says Dima, who was incapacitated for two years; terrible years, says his mother.

The Economist

The loss of Mr Chernomyrdin has raised the stakes sharply should Mr Yeltsin die or be incapacitated in office.

The Economist

Should negotiations over the transition process prove extremely protracted as currently seems likely—support for the HAT, particularly in the army, could waver, reopening the bitter divisions that incapacitated the opposition during the Ravalomanana presidency.

The Economist

WHICH would you prefer: a surgical procedure that left you in pain, incapacitated and scarred, or one that was virtually painless, involved no recovery time and left no visible scar at all?

The Economist

Despite the claim in 2005 to have produced an "active welfare state", the government has done too little to chivvy back to work claimants other than those on unemployment benefit.Altogether, there are 4.4m people of working age claiming the three main sorts of income support that go to the jobless, those who say they are incapacitated and lone parents.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incapacitated", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause and extent of the inability to function. Be specific about whether it's physical, mental, or both.

Common error

Avoid using "incapacitated" as a vague substitute for more precise terms like "injured", "ill", or "disabled". Specify the nature of the impairment for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "incapacitated" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of being unable to function normally. As supported by Ludwig AI, this can be due to illness, injury, or other impairments, as illustrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "incapacitated" is used to describe a state of being unable to function normally, primarily due to physical or mental impairment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective and is commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using "incapacitated", it's important to specify the cause and extent of the impairment for clarity. Related terms include "disabled" and "immobilized", but these may carry slightly different connotations. While the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, avoiding overgeneralization and being precise about the nature of the impairment can further enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapacitated

This term emphasizes the state of being unable to perform specific actions or functions, often as a result of injury or illness.

incapacitated

This term implies a diminished ability to function or act normally, often caused by illness or injury.

disabled

This term broadly refers to a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. It's a more general term than "incapacitated".

immobilized

This suggests a restriction of movement, often temporary, preventing action or relocation. The focus is specifically on movement, unlike "incapacitated" which covers all functions.

functionally impaired

This emphasizes a reduced ability to perform specific tasks or activities. It's more clinical and focuses on the functional consequences.

debilitated

This implies a weakening or enfeeblement, making someone less able to function effectively. "Debilitated" suggests a gradual decline, while "incapacitated" can be more sudden.

out of action

This is a more informal way of saying someone is unable to participate or perform their duties, often due to injury or illness.

hors de combat

This term, borrowed from French, literally means "out of the fight" and is often used in military or competitive contexts to indicate someone is unable to continue.

laid up

This is a colloquial expression indicating someone is confined to bed or home due to illness or injury.

bedridden

This specifically describes someone confined to bed, usually due to illness or frailty. It's a more restrictive condition than simply being "incapacitated".

FAQs

How can I use "incapacitated" in a sentence?

You can use "incapacitated" to describe someone unable to perform usual activities due to injury or illness. For instance, "The accident left him "seriously injured" and temporarily incapacitated".

What are some alternatives to saying "incapacitated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disabled", "immobilized", or "debilitated".

What's the difference between "incapacitated" and "disabled"?

"Incapacitated" often implies a temporary inability to function, while "disabled" typically refers to a more permanent condition that limits a person's abilities.

Is it correct to say someone is "mentally incapacitated"?

Yes, "mentally incapacitated" is a correct usage, referring to a condition where someone lacks the mental capacity to make decisions or understand their actions. It is similar to saying someone is "mentally impaired".