oförmöget

Oförmöget is a Swedish adjective meaning unable or incapable to do something. It is used to describe a person, a group, or a process that lacks the necessary ability or capacity to perform a specified action. The term is commonly followed by att plus an infinitive, for example: "han är oförmöget att hjälpa" or "det var oförmöget att uppfylla kraven." In practice, the expression signals a lack of capability rather than a lack of willingness.

Etymology and form

Oförmöget is formed from förmåga (ability) with the prefix o- indicating negation, and the suffix -et, which in Swedish often marks neuter singular adjectives in certain grammatical contexts. The more frequent modern adjective for attributive use is usually oförmögen, while oförmöget appears primarily in predicative or certain formal, archaic, or neuter contexts.

Usage and nuances

The word emphasizes incapacity or inability due to objective limits rather than choice or motivation. It can apply to physical, cognitive, technical, or organizational limitations. In everyday language, speakers often substitute kan inte or är oförmögen to avoid nuance, but oförmöget remains common in formal or clinical registers, administrative language, or literary writing.

Related terms

- Förmåga: ability or capability (the positive form)

- Oförmåga: inability or incapacity (the noun)

- Oförmodat, omöjlig: related concepts expressing impossibility or lack of readiness in broader contexts

- Förmögen: capable, able (antonym)

See also

Förmåga, oförmåga, omöjlig.