incompetent 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt How to pronounce incompetent (audio)
Definition of incompetentnext
as in unfit
lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job an incompetent carpenter had built the deck, and the railings were loose already

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

incompetent

2 of 2

noun

as in bungler

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of incompetent
Adjective
Her Volumnia bellows at her meek daughter-in-law, Virgilia (Justine Faith) as though reprimanding an incompetent private. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 One of the lasting side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and our catastrophically incompetent response to it is the decrease in trust in public health experts and their advice. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
The Dodgers reached the pinnacle honestly, in a capitalistic structure that properly hands no favors to the incompetent. — Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incompetent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetent
  1. unfit
  2. butcher
  3. unfitted
  4. muddler
  5. incapable
Adjective
  • West Germany 2-1 Netherlands A tournament that was dominated by security concerns in the early stages, and then slightly ruined later on by a sustained period of rainy weather which left the pitches unfit for quality football.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2026
  • Within the context of the ongoing debate, the comment suggested the financial tie could make the company unfit to own the parking meter system.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of unfit
Noun
  • The butcher’s son in a nearby town became chief psychiatrist of the Central Intelligence Agency.
    — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 26 July 2026
  • Summerland Cafe is the first concept to open at the farmers market, which will have a variety of stalls featuring local growers, butchers and other food businesses once it debuts.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of butcher
Adjective
  • Here, Rodel shares how to make the unfitted kitchen trend your own, one statement-worthy piece at a time.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
  • Mix Materials The beauty in the unfitted kitchen aesthetic is found in its collected look.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Definition of unfitted
Noun
  • Attendees will also have the opportunity to craft a custom muddler from authentic barrel staves and participate in a bung-driving relay that brings a traditional barrel-preparation technique to life.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • For more instant gratification, grab a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon or the end of a rolling pin).
    — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
Definition of muddler
Adjective
  • Knowing divorce is hard on kids is like knowing that water is wet, cigars are stinky, and that Selena Gomez is incapable of acting.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • Fewer Miami-Dade households can make ends meet During the same year, thousands of Miami-Dade households were incapable of making ends meet, according to data provided by United Way.
    — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of incapable

Browse Nearby Words

incompetency
incompetent
incompetently
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetent. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on incompetent

Nglish: Translation of incompetent for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of comely

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All