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

Synonyms

• inapt
• incapable
• inept
• inexpert
• unable
• unfit
• unfitted
• unqualified
• unskilled
• unskillful

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

Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025

Pop culture has abetted this disheartening pattern, consistently depicting fathers as incompetent ... —Gregory M. Collins, National Review, 15 June 2025

White, who was taken into custody by federal agents, was later found incompetent to stand trial on hijacking and murder charges. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025

Setting a Trap According to Newsweek, some employees have resorted to creative measures to expose lazy or incompetent colleagues. —Matthew Impelli, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for incompetent

• competent
• immunocompetent

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 

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