incompetent

in·com·pe·tent

adjective \(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt\

Definition of INCOMPETENT

1

: not legally qualified

2

: inadequate to or unsuitable for a particular purpose

3

a : lacking the qualities needed for effective action

b : unable to function properly <incompetent heart valves>

— incompetent noun

— in·com·pe·tent·ly adverb

Examples of INCOMPETENT

1. He is too incompetent to be trusted with such an important responsibility.
2. The patient is mentally incompetent.
3. The defendant was declared incompetent to stand trial.

Origin of INCOMPETENT

Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent

First Known Use: 1595

Related to INCOMPETENT

Synonyms

inapt, incapable, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful

Antonyms

able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent

Related Words

ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient; amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional; unequipped, unprepared, untrained; useless, worthless; disqualified, ineligible; wanting

Near Antonyms

prepared, ready, trained; overqualified; accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced (also practised), seasoned, veteran, virtuoso; all-around (also all-round), protean, versatile

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

in·com·pe·tent

adjective \(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ənt\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of INCOMPETENT

1

: not legally qualified; especially : incapable due to a mental or physical condition

2

: unable to function properly <incompetent heart valves>

—in·com·pe·tent·ly adverb