incompetent

adjective

in·​com·​pe·​tent (ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt How to pronounce incompetent (audio)
Synonyms of incompetent
1
a
: lacking the qualities needed for effective action : lacking necessary ability or skills
b
: unable to function properly
incompetent heart valves
2
: not legally qualified
After hearing psychiatrist … witnesses … the court found Edwards incompetent to stand trial …—Indiana v. Edwards, 554 U.S. 164 (2008)
3
: inadequate to or unsuitable for a particular purpose
incompetent noun
incompetently adverb

Synonyms of incompetent

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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.
Like her, Americans are also so tired of being screwed by an administration that’s not only grossly incompetent and cruel but corrupt as well. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 Excuses are tools of the incompetent and only build monuments to nothingness. — Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Trial delayed over Scott’s competency The trial has been delayed multiple times after Scott was found incompetent to stand trial. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 Sterling spent decades turning the Clippers into the NBA’s cheapest, most incompetent and most disgraceful organization. — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for incompetent

See All Rhymes for incompetent

Browse Nearby Words

incompetency
incompetent
incompetible
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetent. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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
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