Synonyms of incompetent

incompetent 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt 

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

• unfit
• unfitted
• incapable
• inexperienced
• unable
• unskilled
• inept
• unqualified
• unprepared
• ineligible
• inefficient
• useless
• inapt
• ineffective
• unskillful
• inexpert
• ineffectual
• unprofessional
• amateurish
• worthless
• untrained
• green
• disqualified
• callow
• dilettantish
• unequipped
• raw
• wanting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• competent
• capable
• skilled
• able
• skillful
• qualified
• expert
• prepared
• ready
• trained
• fit
• ultracompetent
• adept
• experienced
• seasoned
• veteran
• ace
• accomplished
• crack
• overqualified
• consummate
• virtuoso
• practiced
• versatile
• protean
• all-around

incompetent

2 of 2

noun

as in bungler

Related Words

• bungler
• blunderer
• bumbler
• butcher
• muddler
• blunderbuss
• screwup
• botcher
• fumbler

Dissimilar Words

• expert
• master
• virtuoso
• maestro
• ace
• wizard
• adept
• crackerjack

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incompetent

Adjective

So the archetype of an uncharismatic leader is not necessarily someone unlikeable, introverted, socially incompetent or ineffective. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The idea that government, which has been defined as incompetent and inefficient for decades, could provide grocery abundance and variety better than Walmart and Costco has triggered a visceral reaction among critics. — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 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