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
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
The vice president won Tuesday’s debate on points, baiting Donald Trump into diverting from his core message that Harris is too incompetent and too liberal for the Oval Office.
—
Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Sep. 2024
Having a choice for your senator every six years gives us a chance to vote out incompetent, corrupt or just plain crazy people.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024
He was initially found incompetent to stand trial but was found competent almost two years later.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 1 Aug. 2024
The Democrats who have endorsed Kamala Harris to replace Biden as nominee
Fox pundits rehash attacks on ‘radical and incompetent’ Kamala Harris
GOP eyes legal challenges as Harris assumes control of Biden’s war chest
Kamala Harris has a career of comebacks.
—Jada Yuan, Washington Post, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for incompetent 
Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Sep. 2024
Having a choice for your senator every six years gives us a chance to vote out incompetent, corrupt or just plain crazy people.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024
He was initially found incompetent to stand trial but was found competent almost two years later.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 1 Aug. 2024
The Democrats who have endorsed Kamala Harris to replace Biden as nominee
Fox pundits rehash attacks on ‘radical and incompetent’ Kamala Harris
GOP eyes legal challenges as Harris assumes control of Biden’s war chest
Kamala Harris has a career of comebacks.
—Jada Yuan, Washington Post, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for incompetent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incompetent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near incompetent
Cite this Entry
“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetent. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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