Incapaci

Incapaci is the plural form of incapace in Italian, used as an adjective or, less commonly, as a noun to refer to people who are unable or unfit to act. The word derives from in- plus capace, with roots in the Latin tradition that informs much of Italian vocabulary.

In everyday language, incapaci describes someone lacking the necessary ability, skill, or authority to perform a task. The term can be neutral when describing observable limits, but it can also be pejorative depending on context and tone.

In legal and administrative contexts, incapacità di agire denotes a lack of legal capacity to perform acts or enter into obligations. This can apply to minors or to adults who are legally declared incapable due to mental incapacity or inability to understand and decide (incapacità di intendere e di volere). When incapacity is established, guardians or curators are commonly appointed to represent the person or manage their affairs. The concept of legal capacity contrasts with the standard phrase capacità di intendere e di volere, which describes a person’s ability to understand and decide for themselves.

In practical use, incapaci may refer to individuals who repeatedly fail to meet expectations of competence; however, the term can be stigmatizing, so speakers often opt for more precise expressions related to a specific skill or situation.

The plural form agrees with gender: gli incapaci (masculine or mixed) and le incapaci (feminine). See also incapità, incapacitá (adjacent terms in other languages or related legal concepts), and incapacité in French.