incompetent

adjective in·com·pe·tent \ (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

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incompetent

noun

—

incompetently

adverb

See incompetent defined for English-language learners

See incompetent defined for kids

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 of incompetent from the Web

In a recent study of 116 CEOs, the number one fear was being discovered as incompetent.

— shine, SELF, "Why It's Totally Normal to Feel Like an Imposter Sometimes," 29 Aug. 2017
He was deemed incompetent to stand trial in May 2013, but that decision was reversed months later after Domino was remanded to the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System in Jackson for treatment.

— ken daley, NOLA.com, "Trial for accused St. Bernard-area child rapist pushed to December," 17 July 2017
The proceedings for Jon David Guerrero, 40, were suspended Friday morning in San Diego Superior Court after a county psychiatrist determined Guererro is mentally incompetent.

— dana littlefield, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Competency of accused homeless killer questioned, case suspended again," 14 July 2017
Luckily for Kushner and Trump, no one is more incompetent than Donald Trump Jr.

— alex shephard, New Republic, "Donald Trump is going to throw his son to the wolves.," 12 July 2017
The prosecution was delayed for years when Sevilla was ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial.

— marc freeman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Woman who used trash bag to suffocate boy pleads guilty nearly 20 years later," 10 July 2017
The darkest point in the film comes when the young lion hero Simba’s father King Mufasa has just died and Mufasa’s corrupt and incompetent brother Scar (who’d secretly colluded in Mufasa’s untimely demise) assumes the throne.

— will bunch, Philly.com, "From Russia With Dirt: Why new Trump bombshell matters," 9 July 2017
Committing to take over as president of the Knicks means agreeing to work for famously erratic, incompetent, meddlesome, and malcontented owner/blues musician James Dolan.

— jared dubin, GQ, "Running the Knicks Is Still One of the Best NBA Jobs Available," 3 July 2017
By the second season, though, Amanda thought everyone was incompetent.

— craig tomashoff, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Melrose Place' at 25: Scrapped Storylines, Partying With World Leaders and How a Wig Reveal Saved the Show," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'incompetent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of incompetent

Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent

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First Known Use: 1595

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incompetent Synonyms

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

INCOMPETENT Defined for English Language Learners

incompetent

adjective

Definition of incompetent for English Language Learners

: lacking necessary ability or skills
law : not able to take part in a trial

INCOMPETENT Defined for Kids

incompetent

adjective in·com·pe·tent \ in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt \

Definition of incompetent for Students

:not able to do a good job

—

incompetently

adverb

Medical Dictionary

incompetent

adjective in·com·pe·tent \ (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ənt \

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

—

incompetently

adverb

Law Dictionary

incompetent

adjective in·com·pe·tent \ in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt \

legal Definition of incompetent

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

noun

legal Definition of incompetent

:a person who is incompetent — compare interdict

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for incompetent Spanish Central: Translation of incompetent Nglish: Translation of incompetent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of incompetent for Arabic speakers

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Origin and Etymology of incompetent

incompetent Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

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Other Psychology Terms

INCOMPETENT Defined for English Language Learners

incompetent

Definition of incompetent for English Language Learners

INCOMPETENT Defined for Kids

incompetent

Definition of incompetent for Students

incompetently

Medical Dictionary

incompetent

medical Definition of incompetent

incompetently

Law Dictionary

incompetent

legal Definition of incompetent

incompetent

legal Definition of incompetent

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