incompetent
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for incompetent, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Lacking the skill or ability needed to do a job properly.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use incompetent
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
grossly incompetent
incompetent management
legally incompetent
Etymology
From French incompétent, ultimately from Latin in- ("not") plus competēns ("competent, capable").
Full origin of incompetent →Frequently asked questions
What does “incompetent” mean?
The word “incompetent” means lacking the skill or ability needed to do a job properly. In plain terms, not able to do a job or task well — lacking the skill, judgment, or authority to do it properly.
How do you pronounce “incompetent”?
“Incompetent” is pronounced ihn-KOM-puh-tuhnt (/ɪnˈkɒmpətənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “incompetent” in a sentence?
Here is “incompetent” used in a sentence: “The new manager was fired after proving incompetent at handling the budget.”
What part of speech is “incompetent”?
Depending on how it is used, “incompetent” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “incompetent” come from?
The word “incompetent” comes from Latin. From French incompétent, ultimately from Latin in- ("not") plus competēns ("competent, capable").
Is “incompetent” a common word?
“Incompetent” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “incompetent” have?
“Incompetent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: lacking the skill or ability needed to do a job properly.
What is the difference between incompetent and unqualified?
Incompetent means lacking the skill or ability to do a job properly, even if the person technically holds the required qualifications, while unqualified means someone does not meet the formal requirements or credentials for a role in the first place.
Is calling someone incompetent considered rude?
Incompetent is a fairly blunt and critical word, so calling someone incompetent in everyday conversation can come across as harsh or insulting. It is more neutral in formal, legal, or professional evaluations where it is used as a precise technical judgment.
