incompetent
Incompetent (adj) means lacking the skill or ability needed to do a job properly. Example: “The new manager was fired after proving incompetent at handling the budget.”
How to use incompetent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot able to do a job or task well — lacking the skill, judgment, or authority to do it properly.
Don't confuse with "incompetence" (the noun for the quality itself) — incompetent describes a person or their work.
Word forms
more incompetent comparative, incompetents plural, most incompetent superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new manager was fired after proving _____ at handling the budget.
Etymology
From French incompétent, ultimately from Latin in- ("not") plus competēns ("competent, capable").
Related words
Rhymes for incompetent
See all rhymes for 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.