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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

incompetent

2 of 2

noun

as in bungler

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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
Porterville holds adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities who have come in contact with the legal system and are either incompetent to stand trial or deemed a risk to themselves or others. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 For nearly a decade, Hoggle was ruled incompetent to stand trial. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 6 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 See All Example Sentences for incompetent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetent
  1. unfit
  2. butcher
  3. unfitted
  4. muddler
  5. incapable
Adjective
  • His reelection campaign has been rocked by the allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and her senator dad, who says Miller is unfit to serve in Congress.
    — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Indeed, the representatives of that Government assert that the people of Hawaii are unfit for popular government and frankly avow that they can be best ruled by arbitrary or despotic power.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfit
Noun
  • Police said a man wielding a butcher's knife advanced toward officers, prompting them to open fire, killing him.
    — Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • August is the month for many of our county and state 4-H fairs, and much livestock has a concluding chapter at a local butcher.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 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
  • The familiarity of a news conference doesn’t mean that Rice is incapable of changing.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Real-world experience in professions may be a quality that AI is incapable of replicating, a new study suggests.
    — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of incapable

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetent. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incompetent

Nglish: Translation of incompetent for Spanish Speakers

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