Definition of incompetent
1 : not legally qualified
2 : inadequate to or unsuitable for a particular purpose
3a : lacking the qualities needed for effective actionb : unable to function properly incompetent heart valves
incompetent
nounincompetently
adverbIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
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
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Its public school system was a scandal, its city government and police department too often incompetent at best and corrupt at worst.
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An Oklahoma man accused of using a shotgun to kill a Long Beach mother and her 4-year-old daughter last year was found mentally incompetent Tuesday to stand trial in the twin slayings.
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Thankfully, bed bugs seem to be incompetent disease vectors.
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
Other Psychology Terms
INCOMPETENT Defined for English Language Learners
incompetent
playDefinition of incompetent for English Language Learners
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: lacking necessary ability or skills
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law : not able to take part in a trial
INCOMPETENT Defined for Kids
incompetent
playDefinition of incompetent for Students
: not able to do a good job
incompetently
adverbMedical Dictionary
incompetent
playMedical 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
adverbLaw Dictionary
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
Legal Definition of incompetent
: a person who is incompetent — compare interdict
Learn More about incompetent
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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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