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incapacitado

A2 adjective #8,000 most common 11 min read

incapacitado

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips incapacitado in 30 Seconds

Explanation incapacitado in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand 'incapacitado' as a word describing someone who 'cannot do something' because they are sick or hurt. Imagine you have a very bad cold and you cannot go to school or work; you are 'incapacitado'. At this stage, don't worry about the legal or complex meanings. Just think of it as a synonym for 'muito doente' (very sick) or 'machucado' (hurt) in a way that stops you from moving. You will mostly see this word in very simple medical notes or hear it when someone explains why they can't come to a party. For example, 'Ele está incapacitado' means 'He can't do things right now'. It's a long word, but if you break it down: 'in' (not) + 'capaz' (able), it becomes easier to remember. Focus on using it with 'estar' because at A1, you are usually talking about temporary things like a broken arm or the flu. Remember to change the ending: 'incapacitado' for a boy, 'incapacitada' for a girl. This is a great word to impress your teacher because it sounds more advanced than just saying 'doente'. Even at A1, you can start recognizing it on signs in hospitals or in basic health brochures. It is one of those 'bridge' words that looks like English ('incapacitated'), which makes it easier for you to learn. Just remember the pronunciation: in-ca-pa-si-TA-du. The 'ci' sounds like 'si' in 'sink'. Practice saying it slowly. If you can use this word correctly in a basic sentence about why you missed class, you are doing great!

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'incapacitado' in more specific contexts, particularly related to work and health. You are expected to know that this word describes a state of inability. For instance, if you are talking about your daily routine and why it changed, you might say, 'Fiquei incapacitado de dirigir por uma semana' (I was unable to drive for a week). At this level, you should also notice the prepositions that follow the word: 'de' and 'para'. Using 'incapacitado para o trabalho' is a very common A2-level phrase when discussing jobs and health. You should also be able to distinguish between 'incapacitado' and 'doente'. While 'doente' just means you have an illness, 'incapacitado' means the illness is serious enough to stop you from functioning. You might encounter this word in a simple news story about an accident or in a conversation about someone's elderly grandfather who can no longer walk well. It's important to start practicing the plural forms: 'Eles estão incapacitados'. You should also be aware that the word can be used for mental states, though physical is more common at this level. If you are preparing for a basic proficiency exam, knowing 'incapacitado' helps you describe people's conditions in pictures or stories. It shows you have moved beyond basic adjectives like 'bom' or 'mau'. You are now describing specific states of being. Also, start to notice how it's used with the verb 'ficar' (to become). 'Ele ficou incapacitado depois do acidente' is a classic A2 sentence structure describing a change in state. This level is all about expanding your ability to describe the world around you with more precision, and 'incapacitado' is a perfect tool for that.

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'incapacitado' in a variety of professional and social situations. You understand that this word often carries a formal or technical weight. You might use it when writing an email to an employer or explaining a medical situation in detail. At B1, you should also understand the concept of 'incapacidade laboral' (work disability), which is a common topic in Lusophone countries regarding social security. You can now use the word to describe not just physical problems, but also legal or administrative ones. For example, 'O documento o deixou incapacitado de realizar a compra' (The document made him unable to complete the purchase). You are also expected to handle more complex sentence structures, such as using 'incapacitado' in the passive voice or with reflexive verbs. You should know the difference between 'incapacitado' and 'deficiente', using the latter for permanent disabilities and the former for the state of being unable to perform a task. Your vocabulary is growing, so you should start comparing 'incapacitado' with synonyms like 'impossibilitado'. You might say, 'Estou impossibilitado de comparecer' for a social event, but 'Estou incapacitado' if you are physically unable to move. At B1, you are also likely to encounter this word in literature or more detailed news reports. You should be able to follow a discussion about 'direitos dos incapacitados' (rights of the incapacitated) and understand that it refers to people who need special legal protection. This level requires you to move beyond the literal meaning and start seeing the word as part of a larger social and legal framework. You should also be able to use it in the past and future tenses correctly: 'Eu estaria incapacitado se não tivesse tomado o remédio' (I would be incapacitated if I hadn't taken the medicine).

At the B2 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'incapacitado'. You can use it fluently in academic, legal, or medical discussions. You understand the subtle difference between 'incapacidade absoluta' (total incapacity) and 'incapacidade relativa' (relative/partial incapacity) in a legal context. For example, you can explain that a minor is 'relativamente incapaz' but someone in a coma is 'totalmente incapacitado'. You should also be able to use the word metaphorically or in abstract contexts with ease. 'A burocracia estatal deixa o pequeno empresário incapacitado' (State bureaucracy leaves the small business owner incapacitated/powerless). At B2, you are expected to know the word's family, including 'incapacitante' (the adjective for something that causes incapacity, like 'uma doença incapacitante'). You can participate in debates about social welfare and the ethics of how society treats those who are 'incapacitados'. You should also be aware of regional differences; for instance, how the term might be used in a Brazilian 'laudo médico' versus a Portuguese 'atestado'. Your writing should reflect this precision. Instead of using generic words like 'problema', you use 'incapacidade' to describe a specific limitation. You also understand the historical and social evolution of the word, recognizing that while 'incapacitado' is a standard term, social movements prefer 'pessoa com deficiência' for personal identity. You are able to read complex legal texts or insurance policies that use 'incapacitado' and understand the specific criteria being discussed. Your pronunciation is near-native, and you can use the word in fast-paced conversations without hesitation. You also know how to use it in hypothetical scenarios: 'Caso ele fique incapacitado, quem assumirá a empresa?' (In case he becomes incapacitated, who will take over the company?).

At the C1 level, you use 'incapacitado' with the precision of a native speaker, often in specialized fields. You understand the deep legal ramifications of being declared 'interditado' or 'incapacitado' by a court. You can discuss 'incapacidade civil' and 'incapacidade penal' fluently. Your vocabulary includes high-level synonyms and related terms like 'cerceado', 'impedido', or 'obstruído', and you know exactly when 'incapacitado' is the superior choice. You can use the word to describe complex psychological states, such as being 'incapacitado emocionalmente' due to trauma. In your writing, you use the word to add weight and formality. You might write a thesis or a report where you analyze 'a condição do trabalhador incapacitado na economia digital'. You are also sensitive to the sociolinguistic aspects of the word. You know when using 'incapacitado' might sound too clinical or cold and when it is the necessary technical term. You can interpret the nuances in a judge's ruling where 'incapacitado' is used to define the limits of a person's autonomy. You are also capable of using the word in sophisticated metaphors: 'O país parece incapacitado de reagir à crise' (The country seems unable/incapacitated to react to the crisis). At this level, you don't just know the word; you know the entire legal and social history behind it. You can explain how the 'Convenção sobre os Direitos das Pessoas com Deficiência' changed the legal definition of 'incapacidade' in the Portuguese-speaking world. You are comfortable with the word in all its forms, including the rare noun usage, and can switch registers from formal medical jargon to empathetic social discussion seamlessly.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'incapacitado' is absolute. You can use it in the most formal academic papers, legal briefs, or literary works. You understand the philosophical implications of 'incapacidade' vs. 'autonomia'. You can engage in high-level discussions about bioethics, such as the rights of 'incapacitados' in end-of-life decisions. You are familiar with archaic or highly specialized uses of the word in old legal codes or classical literature. You can play with the word's meaning in creative writing, using it to describe a character's internal paralysis or a society's systemic failure. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but also cultural and historical across the entire Lusofonia—from Brazil to Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique. You can identify how the term 'incapacitado' might be perceived differently in a traditional rural setting versus a modern urban legal environment. You use the word with perfect grammatical precision, including complex hypothetical and conditional structures. You can critique legal documents for their use of the term, suggesting more precise or inclusive alternatives where necessary. You understand the full spectrum of the word's power—from a simple medical excuse to a tool for legal disenfranchisement. At C2, 'incapacitado' is just one brushstroke in your vast linguistic palette, used with intention and subtle nuance to convey exact meanings that a lower-level learner could not grasp. You can even discuss the etymology of the word from its Latin roots through its development in Romance languages, linking it to concepts of 'capax' and 'potestas'. You are, for all intents and purposes, a master of the Lusophone legal and medical lexicon.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

incapacitado in 30 Seconds

Incapacitado means being unable to function or work due to illness, injury, or legal restrictions.
It is a formal adjective that must agree in gender and number with the subject it describes.
Commonly used with 'estar' for temporary states and 'de' or 'para' to specify the limitation.
Crucial for medical, legal, and social security contexts in Portuguese-speaking countries.

The Portuguese adjective incapacitado is a multi-faceted term primarily used to describe a state where an individual is unable to perform specific actions, duties, or functions due to physical, mental, or legal constraints. At its core, it translates to 'incapacitated' or 'disabled' in English, but its application varies significantly depending on the context—ranging from a temporary medical condition to a permanent legal status. In daily life, you might encounter it when discussing health issues, insurance claims, or legal rights. It is essential to distinguish between a temporary state of being incapacitado (like having a broken leg) and a permanent condition, which often involves different legal terminology in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal.

Medical Context: Refers to a patient who cannot look after themselves or work due to illness or injury. For example, 'O paciente está temporariamente incapacitado de andar' (The patient is temporarily unable to walk).
Legal Context: Describes a person who lacks the legal capacity to manage their own affairs, often requiring a guardian or 'curador'. This is common in cases of severe cognitive impairment.
Labor Context: Used by social security systems (like INSS in Brazil) to categorize workers who qualify for disability benefits because they cannot perform their professional duties.

The word carries a formal tone, especially in documents, but is understood by everyone. It is derived from the verb 'incapacitar' (to incapacitate) and the prefix 'in-' (not) plus 'capacitado' (capable). Understanding this word is crucial for navigating healthcare and administrative environments in the Lusophone world. It is also used metaphorically to describe a lack of resources or power to act in a certain situation, though this is less common than the literal physical or legal meanings.

Após o acidente de carro, o motorista ficou incapacitado por três meses.

A lei protege o cidadão mentalmente incapacitado de exploração financeira.

O juiz declarou o réu incapacitado para prestar depoimento devido ao seu estado de choque.

Ele se sente incapacitado de ajudar a família diante de tanta burocracia.

A empresa deve adaptar o posto de trabalho para o funcionário parcialmente incapacitado.

Historically, the term has roots in Latin 'incapacitas', which signifies the lack of power or skill. In the modern era, particularly in the 20th century with the rise of social welfare states, 'incapacitado' became a cornerstone of labor law. For instance, if a worker in Portugal suffers a 'doença profissional' (occupational disease), they are evaluated by a medical board to determine if they are 'incapacitados para o trabalho'. This evaluation determines the level of financial support they receive. Thus, while the word might seem simple, it carries significant economic and social weight in Portuguese society. In summary, use 'incapacitado' when you need to be precise about someone's inability to function, especially in professional, medical, or legal settings.

Using incapacitado correctly requires paying attention to the verb it follows and the preposition that often accompanies it. Most frequently, it is used with the verb estar (to be - temporary state) or ficar (to become/to be left). It is rarely used with ser unless discussing a permanent legal classification. Furthermore, it is almost always followed by the preposition de or para when specifying the action the person cannot perform. For example, 'incapacitado de falar' (incapacitated from speaking) or 'incapacitado para o trabalho' (incapacitated for work).

With 'Estar' (Temporary State): Example: 'Ela está incapacitada por causa da gripe.' (She is incapacitated because of the flu.) This suggests a state that will pass.
With 'Para' (Purpose/Function): Example: 'O atleta foi considerado incapacitado para a competição.' (The athlete was considered unfit/incapacitated for the competition.) Here, 'para' introduces the goal or function.
With 'De' (Action): Example: 'O ferimento o deixou incapacitado de escrever.' (The injury left him unable to write.) Here, 'de' introduces the specific verb or action.

In more advanced usage, 'incapacitado' can function as a noun (substantivado), though this is less common. You might hear 'os incapacitados' referring to a group of people with disabilities, but as mentioned before, 'pessoas com deficiência' is the more modern and respectful alternative in Brazil. In Portugal, 'pessoas com incapacidade' is also widely used in official documents. When writing, ensure the adjective matches the subject. For instance, if you are talking about a group of women, you must say 'elas estão incapacitadas'. If it is a mixed group, 'eles estão incapacitados'.

Devido à febre alta, o João ficou incapacitado de sair da cama.

As leis trabalhistas garantem direitos aos que estão incapacitados permanentemente.

A cirurgia deixará a paciente incapacitada de dirigir por um mês.

Beyond physical health, 'incapacitado' appears in psychological contexts. A person might be 'psiquicamente incapacitado' (mentally incapacitated). This usage is very formal and usually implies a clinical diagnosis. In a more casual but still serious tone, someone might say 'Estou incapacitado de pensar hoje' (I'm unable to think today) to express extreme fatigue or burnout, though this is metaphorical. Always remember that 'incapacitado' implies a lack of 'capacidade' (capacity/ability). If someone lacks a specific skill but is otherwise fine, you might use 'incapaz' instead, which is broader. 'Incapacitado' usually suggests a more profound or systemic inability caused by an external or internal factor like health or law.

In the real world, incapacitado is a staple of bureaucratic and medical life in Lusophone countries. If you are living in Brazil and need to visit the INSS (Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social), you will see this word on almost every form related to 'Auxílio-Incapacidade'. Doctors use it in 'atestados médicos' (medical certificates) to justify a worker's absence. In Portugal, the Segurança Social uses similar terminology. Therefore, if you are employed in a Portuguese-speaking country, knowing this word is vital for understanding your labor rights and medical leave.

You will also hear it in the news, especially during reports on accidents or legal trials. For example, a news anchor might say, 'O sobrevivente do desastre permanece incapacitado no hospital' (The disaster survivor remains incapacitated in the hospital). In legal dramas or actual court proceedings, lawyers argue whether a person was 'incapacitado de entender o caráter ilícito do fato' (incapacitated from understanding the illicit nature of the act), which is a standard phrase in criminal law regarding mental health defenses.

In a hospital setting, you'll hear nurses or doctors discussing a patient's 'grau de incapacidade' (degree of incapacity). This is a technical measurement used to determine how much help a person needs with 'atividades da vida diária' (activities of daily living). It's not just about what you can't do; it's about quantifying it for care plans. If you are a caregiver or a patient, you might hear questions like 'Ele está totalmente incapacitado?' (Is he totally incapacitated?).

O perito do INSS concluiu que o trabalhador não está incapacitado.

Muitos soldados voltaram da guerra fisicamente incapacitados.

Lastly, in the financial world, specifically regarding 'seguros' (insurance), the word is central. If you have a 'seguro contra acidentes pessoais', the policy will define what constitutes being 'incapacitado' and for how long you must be in that state to receive a payout. In summary, while you might not use it every day in a casual chat over coffee, 'incapacitado' is an essential word for the 'serious' parts of life in a Portuguese-speaking society: health, work, law, and insurance.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing incapacitado with inválido or desabilitado. While they share some semantic space, their usage is quite different. 'Inválido' is an older term that can sound offensive in many contexts today, much like 'invalid' in English. In legal and medical terms, 'invalidez' refers specifically to a permanent and total inability to work, but calling a person 'um inválido' is considered very rude. 'Incapacitado' is a much safer, more clinical, and more respectful term.

Another common error is the confusion between incapacitado and incapaz. While 'incapacitado' usually refers to a state caused by illness, injury, or a specific legal ruling, 'incapaz' is more general. You can be 'incapaz de mentir' (incapable of lying) because of your character, but you wouldn't say you are 'incapacitado de mentir' unless a medical condition literally prevented you from speaking. 'Incapaz' is about ability or character; 'incapacitado' is about a condition or status.

Mistake: Using 'Ser' for Temporary States: Incorrect: 'Ele é incapacitado por causa da perna quebrada.' Correct: 'Ele está incapacitado...' Because a broken leg is temporary, you must use 'estar'.
Mistake: Gender Agreement: Incorrect: 'Maria está incapacitado.' Correct: 'Maria está incapacitada.' Adjectives must always match the gender of the person described.

English speakers also tend to use 'desabilitado' as a direct translation of 'disabled'. While 'desabilitado' exists in Portuguese, it is most commonly used for technology (e.g., 'o Wi-Fi está desabilitado' - the Wi-Fi is disabled/turned off) or for someone who has had a license or authorization revoked (e.g., 'motorista desabilitado'). For people, 'pessoa com deficiência' or 'incapacitado' (in a medical context) are the correct terms. Using 'desabilitado' for a person with a physical disability can sound like you are saying they have been 'deactivated' like a computer program.

Finally, be careful with the preposition. In English, we say 'incapacitated by'. In Portuguese, we often say 'incapacitado por' (by/because of) but also 'incapacitado de' (from doing something). For example: 'Incapacitado pelo cansaço' (Incapacitated by tiredness) vs. 'Incapacitado de trabalhar' (Incapacitated from working). Mixing these up won't always make you misunderstood, but using 'de' or 'para' for actions makes you sound much more native.

To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it's helpful to know words that are similar to incapacitado but carry different nuances. Depending on whether you are in a hospital, a court, or a casual setting, you might choose a different term to be more precise or polite.

Incapaz: A broader term meaning 'incapable'. It can refer to a lack of skill, intelligence, or legal standing. 'Ele é incapaz de cozinhar' (He is incapable of cooking).
Impossibilitado: Very similar to 'incapacitado' but often used when an external circumstance prevents action. 'Estou impossibilitado de ir à reunião' (I am prevented/unable to go to the meeting).
Inválido: Mostly used in legal/insurance contexts to mean 'permanently disabled' (invalidez). Use with caution in social settings as it can be offensive.
Deficiente: Refers to someone with a disability (physical, sensory, or mental). The modern preferred term is 'pessoa com deficiência'.
Inapto: Common in job interviews or military exams. It means 'unfit'. 'Ele foi considerado inapto para o serviço militar'.

When choosing between these, consider the 'why'. If the inability is due to a medical condition, incapacitado is perfect. If it's because you are busy or something blocked you, impossibilitado is better. If it's a permanent physical condition, pessoa com deficiência is the most respectful. If it's about a lack of qualification, use inapto.

Comparação: 'Incapacitado' vs 'Incapaz'. O doente está incapacitado (temporary medical state), mas o mentiroso é incapaz de dizer a verdade (character trait).

In literary contexts, you might see impotente, which means 'powerless'. However, be careful as 'impotente' in Portuguese also has the same sexual connotation as 'impotent' in English. For general lack of power to act, 'sem poder' or 'incapaz' is safer. Understanding these synonyms allows you to navigate the nuances of the Portuguese language more effectively, ensuring you use the right word for the right situation, whether you're at the doctor's office or writing a formal letter.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'cap' is the same as in 'capture' and 'capacity'. So, to be 'incapacitado' literally means you are 'unable to take' or 'unable to hold' your normal life or duties.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ĩ.ka.pa.si.ˈta.du/

US /ĩ.kə.pæ.si.ˈtɑ.du/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable 'ta' (in-ca-pa-si-TA-do).

Rhymes With

Cuidado Passado Obrigado Cansado Feriado Complicado Engraçado Resultado

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' in 'in' (it should be a nasal vowel).
Putting the stress on 'ci' instead of 'ta'.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'oh' instead of a soft 'u' (in Brazil).
Confusing the 'c' and 's' sounds; both sound like 's' in 'incapacitado'.
Failing to make the 'a' sounds clear.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender/number agreement and prepositions.

Speaking 3/5

Long word, requires practice with nasal vowels and stress.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to hear in formal contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Capaz Incapaz Doente Trabalho Saúde

Learn Next

Incapacitante Invalidez Laudo Perícia Benefício

Advanced

Interdição Curatela Cerceamento Impedimento

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

As mulheres estão incapacitadas (feminine plural).

Ser vs Estar

Ele está incapacitado (temporary state) vs Ele é legalmente incapaz (permanent status).

Prepositional Government

Incapacitado DE + verb; Incapacitado PARA + noun.

Nasal Vowels

The 'in' in 'incapacitado' is nasal, like the 'in' in 'infantil'.

Stress on Penultimate Syllable

Words ending in 'o' usually have stress on the second-to-last syllable.

Examples by Level

O João está incapacitado hoje.

João is incapacitated today.

Uses 'estar' for a temporary state.

Ela ficou incapacitada de andar.

She was unable to walk.

Feminine form 'incapacitada' matches 'ela'.

O gato está incapacitado.

The cat is incapacitated.

Adjectives also apply to animals.

Eu não estou incapacitado.

I am not incapacitated.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

Você está incapacitado?

Are you incapacitated?

Question form using intonation.

Eles estão incapacitados.

They are incapacitated.

Plural masculine form 'incapacitados'.

Maria está um pouco incapacitada.

Maria is a little incapacitated.

Using 'um pouco' to modify the degree.

O braço dele está incapacitado.

His arm is incapacitated.

The adjective matches the noun 'braço' (masculine).

O motorista ficou incapacitado após o acidente.

The driver became incapacitated after the accident.

Use of 'ficar' to show a change in state.

Ela está incapacitada de trabalhar esta semana.

She is unable to work this week.

Preposition 'de' followed by an infinitive verb.

O atleta está incapacitado para o jogo de amanhã.

The athlete is unfit for tomorrow's game.

Preposition 'para' used for a specific event.

Muitas pessoas ficam incapacitadas pelo frio intenso.

Many people are incapacitated by the intense cold.

Preposition 'pelo' (por + o) indicating the cause.

O médico disse que ele está temporariamente incapacitado.

The doctor said he is temporarily incapacitated.

Adverb 'temporariamente' modifying the adjective.

A Maria e a Ana estão incapacitadas de viajar.

Maria and Ana are unable to travel.

Feminine plural 'incapacitadas'.

Este remédio pode deixar você incapacitado de dirigir.

This medicine can leave you unable to drive.

The verb 'deixar' (to leave/to make) used with the adjective.

O trabalhador está incapacitado por causa da dor nas costas.

The worker is incapacitated because of back pain.

Using 'por causa de' to explain the reason.

O seguro cobre casos em que o cliente fica incapacitado.

The insurance covers cases where the client becomes incapacitated.

Relative clause 'em que' used with 'ficar'.

Ele foi declarado legalmente incapacitado pelo juiz.

He was declared legally incapacitated by the judge.

Passive voice 'foi declarado'.

A doença o deixou totalmente incapacitado de realizar tarefas simples.

The illness left him totally unable to perform simple tasks.

Direct object 'o' (him) modified by the adjective.

Se você estiver incapacitado, deve procurar o INSS.

If you are incapacitated, you should seek the social security office.

Future subjunctive 'estiver' in a conditional sentence.

Incapacitado de falar, o paciente usou gestos.

Unable to speak, the patient used gestures.

Adjective phrase at the beginning of the sentence.

A empresa não pode demitir um funcionário incapacitado.

The company cannot fire an incapacitated employee.

Adjective modifying the noun 'funcionário'.

Ela se sentia incapacitada de tomar uma decisão tão difícil.

She felt unable to make such a difficult decision.

Reflexive verb 'sentir-se' with the adjective.

O laudo médico confirmou que ele estava incapacitado para o serviço.

The medical report confirmed he was unfit for service.

Noun 'laudo médico' (medical report) context.

A nova lei visa proteger os cidadãos civilmente incapacitados.

The new law aims to protect civilly incapacitated citizens.

Adverb 'civilmente' (civilly) modifying the adjective.

Embora estivesse incapacitado, ele tentou ajudar a família.

Although he was incapacitated, he tried to help his family.

Concessive clause with 'embora' + imperfect subjunctive.

A depressão pode ser uma condição altamente incapacitante.

Depression can be a highly incapacitating condition.

Using the related adjective 'incapacitante'.

O perito deve avaliar o grau em que o sujeito está incapacitado.

The expert must evaluate the degree to which the subject is incapacitated.

Relative pronoun 'o qual/em que' after 'grau'.

Muitos veteranos retornam incapacitados e sem apoio psicológico.

Many veterans return incapacitated and without psychological support.

Coordinate adjectives 'incapacitados' and 'sem apoio'.

A falta de recursos deixou a prefeitura incapacitada de agir.

The lack of resources left the city hall unable to act.

Metaphorical use for an institution.

Ele foi considerado incapacitado de gerir seus próprios bens.

He was considered unable to manage his own assets.

Passive construction with 'considerado'.

Incapacitados pela dor, os sobreviventes aguardavam o resgate.

Incapacitated by pain, the survivors awaited rescue.

Participle/Adjective phrase providing background info.

A interdição judicial ocorre quando o indivíduo é julgado incapacitado.

Judicial interdiction occurs when the individual is judged incapacitated.

Technical legal term 'interdição'.

O trauma severo pode deixar o indivíduo emocionalmente incapacitado por anos.

Severe trauma can leave the individual emotionally incapacitated for years.

Use of 'emocionalmente' to specify the type of incapacity.

A burocracia excessiva acaba por deixar o sistema incapacitado de evoluir.

Excessive bureaucracy ends up leaving the system unable to evolve.

Metaphorical application to an abstract system.

O réu alegou estar incapacitado de discernir a gravidade de seus atos.

The defendant claimed to be unable to discern the gravity of his acts.

Formal verb 'discernir'.

Políticas públicas devem focar na reintegração dos que foram incapacitados no trabalho.

Public policies should focus on the reintegration of those who were incapacitated at work.

Substantive use of 'os que foram incapacitados'.

A lesão medular o deixou permanentemente incapacitado para a prática desportiva.

The spinal cord injury left him permanently incapacitated for sports practice.

Medical precision with 'lesão medular'.

O Estado não pode quedar-se incapacitado perante a crise humanitária.

The State cannot remain powerless/incapacitated in the face of the humanitarian crisis.

Literary verb 'quedar-se' (to remain/stay).

A velhice, por si só, não torna o cidadão incapacitado perante a lei.

Old age, by itself, does not make the citizen incapacitated before the law.

Legal nuance regarding aging and capacity.

A ontologia da incapacidade desafia a noção tradicional de sujeito autônomo.

The ontology of incapacity challenges the traditional notion of the autonomous subject.

Philosophical and academic context.

O sistema jurídico luso-brasileiro evoluiu na tutela do sujeito incapacitado.

The Luso-Brazilian legal system has evolved in the protection of the incapacitated subject.

Comparative legal history context.

Sua mente, incapacitada pelo luto, vagava por memórias fragmentadas.

His mind, incapacitated by grief, wandered through fragmented memories.

Literary and poetic usage.

A incapacidade civil absoluta foi mitigada pelas recentes reformas legislativas.

Absolute civil incapacity was mitigated by recent legislative reforms.

Complex legal terminology 'mitigada'.

O filósofo argumenta que todos somos, em certa medida, incapacitados pela finitude.

The philosopher argues that we are all, to some extent, incapacitated by finitude.

Existential application of the term.

A empresa foi declarada incapacitada de honrar seus compromissos financeiros.

The company was declared unable to honor its financial commitments.

Corporate/Financial legal context.

O cerceamento de direitos deixa o indivíduo politicamente incapacitado.

The restriction of rights leaves the individual politically incapacitated.

Political science context.

A plasticidade cerebral permite que o órgão se recupere mesmo após estar severamente incapacitado.

Brain plasticity allows the organ to recover even after being severely incapacitated.

Neuroscientific context.

Common Collocations

Temporariamente incapacitado

Incapacitado para o trabalho

Legalmente incapacitado

Totalmente incapacitado

Fisicamente incapacitado

Mentalmente incapacitado

Incapacitado de agir

Permanentemente incapacitado

Incapacitado de falar

Grau de incapacitado

Common Phrases

Auxílio-incapacidade

— Disability benefit provided by social security. Essential for workers.

Ele solicitou o auxílio-incapacidade ao INSS.

Estar incapacitado de

— To be unable to perform a specific action. Used with verbs.

Estou incapacitado de digitar hoje.

Considerar incapacitado

— To judge or deem someone as unable to function. Used by doctors/judges.

O perito o considerou incapacitado.

Ficar incapacitado

— To become incapacitated as a result of an event. Focuses on change.

Ela ficou incapacitada após o derrame.

Declarar incapacitado

— To officially announce someone's incapacity. Legal/Formal.

O juiz declarou o réu incapacitado.

Incapacitado por doença

— Unable to function due to illness. Common in HR reports.

Funcionário incapacitado por doença infectocontagiosa.

Incapacitado por acidente

— Unable to function due to an accident. Common in insurance.

Ele está incapacitado por acidente de trajeto.

Parcialmente incapacitado

— Only some functions are lost. Used in medical evaluations.

Ele está apenas parcialmente incapacitado.

Incapacitado de entender

— Unable to comprehend. Often used in legal mental health cases.

Ele alegou estar incapacitado de entender as regras.

Incapacitado para a vida civil

— Old legal term for someone who cannot manage their own life.

Antigamente, ele seria chamado de incapacitado para a vida civil.

Often Confused With

incapacitado vs Desabilitado

Used for tech or revoked licenses, not usually for sick people.

incapacitado vs Incapaz

More general; can refer to personality or lack of skill.

incapacitado vs Inválido

More permanent and can be offensive.

Idioms & Expressions

"Incapacitado de dar um passo"

— Extremely tired or physically blocked from moving. Literal and figurative.

Depois da maratona, fiquei incapacitado de dar um passo.

Informal

"Incapacitado pelo medo"

— So afraid that one cannot act or think clearly. Common in literature.

Ele viu o fantasma e ficou incapacitado pelo medo.

Neutral

"Mente incapacitada"

— Refers to a state of confusion or mental block. Not a clinical term here.

Com tanto barulho, minha mente está incapacitada.

Informal

"Incapacitado de raiva"

— So angry that one loses control or cannot speak. Figurative.

Ela ficou incapacitada de raiva quando soube da traição.

Informal

"Incapacitado pelo sistema"

— Prevented from succeeding by bureaucracy or society. Sociological idiom.

O jovem se sente incapacitado pelo sistema educacional.

Formal

"Incapacitado de dizer não"

— A person who is too kind or weak-willed to refuse others. Character trait.

João é incapacitado de dizer não aos amigos.

Informal

"Incapacitado de ver o óbvio"

— Willfully blind or extremely oblivious to a situation.

Você está incapacitado de ver o óbvio nesta relação!

Informal

"Incapacitado de amar"

— Describes someone emotionally cold or traumatized. Poetic/Informal.

Depois de tantas decepções, ele se sente incapacitado de amar.

Neutral

"Totalmente incapacitado (slang)"

— Sometimes used to mean extremely drunk or high (regional/contextual).

Ele bebeu tanto que ficou totalmente incapacitado.

Slang

"Incapacitado de reagir"

— Stunned into silence or inaction. Very common in news.

A vítima ficou incapacitada de reagir ao assalto.

Neutral

Easily Confused

incapacitado vs Incapaz

Both mean 'unable'.

'Incapacitado' is a state (usually medical); 'incapaz' is a quality or legal status.

Ela é incapaz de mentir, mas está incapacitada de falar por causa da rouquidão.

incapacitado vs Impossibilitado

Both imply being unable to do something.

'Impossibilitado' is often due to external factors (no car, no time); 'incapacitado' is internal (health).

Estou impossibilitado de ir porque não tenho carro.

incapacitado vs Deficiente

Both relate to disability.

'Deficiente' refers to a permanent condition; 'incapacitado' refers to the functional limitation.

Uma pessoa com deficiência pode não estar incapacitada para o trabalho.

incapacitado vs Inapto

Both mean 'not fit'.

'Inapto' is usually about failing a specific test or standard; 'incapacitado' is about a loss of function.

Ele foi considerado inapto no exame admissional.

incapacitado vs Inválido

Both used in insurance.

'Inválido' is specifically for total/permanent work loss and is becoming obsolete socially.

A pensão por invalidez é para quem está totalmente incapacitado.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + estar + incapacitado.

O Pedro está incapacitado.

[Subject] + ficar + incapacitado + de + [verb].

Eu fiquei incapacitado de correr.

[Subject] + ser + considerado + incapacitado + para + [noun].

Ele foi considerado incapacitado para o trabalho.

Devido a [cause], [subject] encontra-se incapacitado.

Devido à lesão, o atleta encontra-se incapacitado.

A condição de [subject] o deixa incapacitado de [action].

Sua cegueira o deixa incapacitado de dirigir.

Incapacitado por [abstract noun], [subject] + [verb].

Incapacitado pela melancolia, o poeta nada escreveu.

Se [subject] [future subjunctive], [result].

Se você estiver incapacitado, ligue para nós.

[Noun] + [adjective agreement].

Pessoas incapacitadas precisam de ajuda.

Word Family

Nouns

Incapacidade (Incapacity/Disability)

Incapacitação (The act of incapacitating)

Verbs

Incapacitar (To incapacitate)

Adjectives

Incapacitado (Incapacitated - state)

Incapacitante (Incapacitating - quality/cause)

Capaz (Capable)

Incapaz (Incapable)

Capacidade

Capacitação

Capacitar

Deficiência

Invalidez

How to Use It

frequency

Common in administrative, medical, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Maria está incapacitado. → Maria está incapacitada.
Adjectives must agree with the gender of the subject.
Ele é incapacitado por causa da gripe. → Ele está incapacitado por causa da gripe.
Use 'estar' for temporary medical conditions.
Estou desabilitado de trabalhar. → Estou incapacitado de trabalhar.
'Desabilitado' is for technology or licenses, not health.
Ele está incapacitado para falar. → Ele está incapacitado de falar.
Use 'de' before a verb to describe the action one cannot do.
O computador está incapacitado. → O computador está quebrado/estragado.
'Incapacitado' is usually reserved for people.

Tips

Gender Matching

Always match the ending: 'o' for men, 'a' for women. 'Eles estão incapacitados' for groups.

Formal Contexts

In formal writing, use 'encontra-se incapacitado' to sound more professional.

Social Sensitivity

In Brazil, use 'Pessoa com Deficiência' (PcD) for general disability discussions.

Nasal 'In'

Don't pronounce the 'n' in 'in-'. It's a nasal vowel. Practice 'ĩ'.

Prepositions

Remember: 'Incapacitado DE + Verb' and 'Incapacitado PARA + Noun'.

Cognate Power

Use the English 'Incapacitated' to remember the meaning, but watch the spelling.

Legal Status

Understand that 'incapacitado' can be a temporary state or a permanent legal ruling.

Medical Notes

If you see this on a doctor's note, it means you are excused from work.

Helping Others

If someone says they are 'incapacitados', they are likely asking for help or explaining a limitation.

Incapacitante

Learn the related word 'incapacitante' to describe the cause, like 'doença incapacitante'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a CAP (Capacidade) that is IN-side a box. You can't reach it because you are IN-CAP-ACITADO. Or think: 'In-Capacity-Tado' (The state of having no capacity).

Visual Association

A broken gear inside a machine. The machine is 'incapacitada' because one part isn't working.

Word Web

Doença Acidente Trabalho Lei Médico Incapacidade Seguro INSS

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about a sick person, one about a broken machine (metaphorical), and one about a legal rule using 'incapacitado'.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'incapacitas', derived from 'in-' (negation) + 'capax' (able to hold/contain, from 'capere' - to take). It entered Portuguese through the legal and medical Latin tradition.

Original meaning: The lack of space or the lack of power/skill to hold a certain position or perform a task.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'incapacitado' as a noun to refer to people in social settings; use 'pessoa com deficiência' to be more polite and modern.

In English, 'incapacitated' is often used for medical emergencies or legal guardianship, much like in Portuguese.

The Brazilian Civil Code (Código Civil) uses 'incapaz' and 'incapacitado' to define legal rights. The song 'Incapacitado' (various artists use this title to express heartbreak). Social Security (INSS) news updates frequently use this term.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical/Hospital

Atestado de incapacidade
Temporariamente incapacitado
Incapacitado de se mover
Paciente incapacitado

Work/HR

Incapacitado para o trabalho
Acidente de trabalho
Auxílio-incapacidade
Funcionário incapacitado

Legal/Court

Declarado incapacitado
Incapacidade civil
Réu incapacitado
Interdito e incapacitado

Insurance

Cobertura para incapacitados
Incapacidade total
Incapacidade permanente
Sinistro por incapacidade

Daily Life/Casual

Estou incapacitado hoje
Ficou incapacitado de rir
Incapacitado pelo cansaço
Pobre incapacitado

Conversation Starters

"Você já ficou incapacitado de trabalhar por causa de uma gripe?"

"O que você faria se ficasse temporariamente incapacitado de usar as mãos?"

"Você conhece alguém que está incapacitado e recebe auxílio do governo?"

"Como as cidades podem ajudar as pessoas que estão fisicamente incapacitadas?"

"Você acha que o estresse pode deixar uma pessoa mentalmente incapacitada?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você se sentiu incapacitado de agir diante de um problema.

Reflita sobre a importância das leis que protegem os trabalhadores incapacitados.

Se você ficasse incapacitado de usar a internet por um mês, como sua vida mudaria?

Escreva sobre um herói ou personagem que superou uma condição que o deixava incapacitado.

Como você cuidaria de um amigo que está temporariamente incapacitado após uma cirurgia?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. While it often refers to physical injury, it can also refer to mental health conditions, psychological trauma, or legal restrictions that prevent someone from acting.

Generally, no. It is a clinical and formal term. However, referring to a person as 'um incapacitado' (as a noun) can be seen as reductive. It's better to say 'uma pessoa que está incapacitada'.

It is better to use 'quebrada', 'estragada', or 'fora de serviço'. 'Incapacitado' is almost exclusively used for people or, metaphorically, for institutions/systems.

The feminine form is 'incapacitada'. Example: 'Ela está incapacitada'.

You say 'parcialmente incapacitado'. This is common in medical and legal evaluations.

Use 'de' before a verb (incapacitado de correr) and 'para' before a noun or function (incapacitado para o trabalho).

Yes, but 'disabled' in a social sense is 'pessoa com deficiência'. 'Incapacitado' is more about the functional inability caused by a condition.

Use 'estar' for temporary states, 'ficar' for becoming that way, and 'ser' for permanent legal statuses.

Yes, the verb is 'incapacitar'. For example: 'O acidente o incapacitou'.

Yes, it is very common in Portugal, especially in legal, medical, and social security contexts.