incompetent
adjective
in·com·pe·tent
(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt 
1
a
: lacking the qualities needed for effective action
b
: unable to function properly
incompetent heart valves
2
: not legally qualified
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
Mestre’s indictment comes after he was initially deemed incompetent to stand trial by a judge in April.
—
Escher Walcott, People.com, 13 July 2025
Employees may view them as entitled or incompetent, regardless of their true abilities.
—Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
In June 2021, a judge also ruled Scott was incompetent to stand trial.
—Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Some seemed to be downright incompetent, Marquez told the jury.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetent
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Escher Walcott, People.com, 13 July 2025
Employees may view them as entitled or incompetent, regardless of their true abilities.
—Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
In June 2021, a judge also ruled Scott was incompetent to stand trial.
—Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Some seemed to be downright incompetent, Marquez told the jury.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 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 25 Jul. 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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