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
Skakel lobbied for a retrial on various grounds over the years but was denied until 2013, when a Connecticut judge upheld his assertion that his previous defense had been incompetent.
—
Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024
These are usually people with severe mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders or developmental disabilities who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial.
—Eva Wen, Journal Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024
Criminal court proceedings were suspended in May 2020, when a medical evaluation found Adams was incompetent to stand trial.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 20 Dec. 2024
In advance of his trial, Girardi’s defense attorneys had contended that their client was mentally incompetent and suffered from a form of dementia.
—Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incompetent 
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Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024
These are usually people with severe mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders or developmental disabilities who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial.
—Eva Wen, Journal Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024
Criminal court proceedings were suspended in May 2020, when a medical evaluation found Adams was incompetent to stand trial.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 20 Dec. 2024
In advance of his trial, Girardi’s defense attorneys had contended that their client was mentally incompetent and suffered from a form of dementia.
—Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incompetent
Dictionary Entries Near incompetent
Cite this Entry
“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetent. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
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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