incompetent

adjective

in·​com·​pe·​tent (ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt How to pronounce incompetent (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
California, with its weak and incompetent Governor [Gavin Newsom], has been particularly hard hit! Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2025 Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Laura Gonzalez-Marques found Grafe incompetent to stand trial in March. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 Though he was found incompetent because of his mental health issues, Chokr now is competent after treatment, is taking his medication and intends to do so to remain competent, Ayad wrote. Christina Hall, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025 The following December, Kelly was found to be incompetent to face the charges, according to court records. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incompetent

Word History

Etymology

Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of incompetent was in 1595

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetent. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

incompetent

1 of 2 adjective
in·​com·​pe·​tent
(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ənt
1
: not legally qualified
2
: lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) needed to do something well
an incompetent writer
incompetently adverb

incompetent

2 of 2 noun
: an incompetent person

Medical Definition

incompetent

adjective
in·​com·​pe·​tent (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ənt How to pronounce incompetent (audio)
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 How to pronounce incompetent (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on incompetent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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