incompetent
adjective
in·com·pe·tent
(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt 
1
a
: lacking the qualities needed for effective action : lacking necessary ability or skills
b
: unable to function properly
incompetent heart valves
2
: not legally qualified
After hearing psychiatrist … witnesses … the court found Edwards incompetent to stand trial …—
Indiana v. Edwards, 554 U.S. 164 (2008)
Indiana v. Edwards, 554 U.S. 164 (2008)3
: inadequate to or unsuitable for a particular purpose
incompetent
noun
incompetently
adverb
Examples of incompetent in a Sentence
He is too incompetent to be trusted with such an important responsibility.
The patient is mentally incompetent.
The defendant was declared incompetent to stand trial.
Recent Examples on the Web
The interview was one of Gille's first public appearances since a judge ruled him incompetent to stand trial in August.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 30 Oct. 2025
The thing that makes Slow Horses work so well — in addition to the action and pacing and farting — is that everyone on this show is incompetent in their own special little way.
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
The premise has the potential for slapstick silliness, as an incompetent Seoul family fumbles its way through opening a hunting lodge in the Korean countryside.
—Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Lauren was also charged with misdemeanor battery and theft in June 2020, per online court records reviewed by PEOPLE; that case was discharged after she was found incompetent to stand trial.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetent
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Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 30 Oct. 2025
The thing that makes Slow Horses work so well — in addition to the action and pacing and farting — is that everyone on this show is incompetent in their own special little way.
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
The premise has the potential for slapstick silliness, as an incompetent Seoul family fumbles its way through opening a hunting lodge in the Korean countryside.
—Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Lauren was also charged with misdemeanor battery and theft in June 2020, per online court records reviewed by PEOPLE; that case was discharged after she was found incompetent to stand trial.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetent
Cite this Entry
“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetent. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
incompetent
adjective
in·com·pe·tent
(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ənt
1
: not legally qualified
especially
: incapable due to a mental or physical condition
2
: unable to function properly
incompetent heart valves
incompetently
adverb
Legal Definition
incompetent
1 of 2 adjective
in·com·pe·tent
in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt
1
: not legally qualified: as
a
: lacking legal capacity (as because of age or mental deficiency)
b
: incapable due to mental or physical condition compare competent
c
: lacking authority, power, or qualifications required by law
an incompetent court
incompetent evidence
2
: unable or failing to perform adequately
fired for being incompetent
an incompetent attorney
compare ineffective assistance of counsel
incompetent
2 of 2 noun
: a person who is incompetent compare interdict
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