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

• inapt
• incapable
• inept
• inexpert
• unable
• unfit
• unfitted
• unqualified
• unskilled
• unskillful

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

Republicans stand in solidarity, voting for incompetent Cabinet picks, while Democrats are barred from entering the U.S. Agency for International Development building, which Musk shut down. —Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025

The difference in expertise is often shocking, which is one reason so many appeals cite incompetent representation. —Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

Coleman was deemed incompetent to stand trial in October 2023, PEOPLE previously reported. —Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025

Stratton was deemed incompetent to stand trial in a separate murder case that occurred after DeLisa's homicide and involved the murder of a man in Pueblo, Colorado, according to Mason. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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 

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