adj
Uncommon
incompetent
ihn-KOM-puh-tuhnt
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.”
adj
1
Lacking the skill or ability needed to do a job properly.
"The new manager was fired after proving incompetent at handling the budget."
"It was an incompetent attempt to fix the leaking pipe, and it made things worse."
2
(law) Not legally or mentally capable of making sound decisions.
"The judge ruled that the elderly man was incompetent to manage his own finances."
noun
1
A person who lacks the ability to do something properly.
"He was surrounded by incompetents who kept missing deadlines."
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.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "incompetence" (the noun for the quality itself) — incompetent describes a person or their work.
Common pairings
grossly incompetent
incompetent management
legally incompetent
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like incompetent.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- incompetents
- Comparative
- more incompetent
- Superlative
- most incompetent
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").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
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.
