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
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
He was found incompetent to stand trial, which in the state of Colorado, means he must be released from custody, Padden's office told Fox News Digital earlier this month.
—
Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025
Malfunctioning surveillance equipment, conveniently incompetent jail staff, and statements from individuals such as the mayor of New York and Epstein’s brother played roles in fomenting this coalition.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
Initially, doctors suspected an incompetent cervix, but later discovered the cause was a prolapsed cord.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 17 July 2025
Taylor has intellectual disability and was found incompetent for trial several times before.
—Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetent
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Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025
Malfunctioning surveillance equipment, conveniently incompetent jail staff, and statements from individuals such as the mayor of New York and Epstein’s brother played roles in fomenting this coalition.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
Initially, doctors suspected an incompetent cervix, but later discovered the cause was a prolapsed cord.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 17 July 2025
Taylor has intellectual disability and was found incompetent for trial several times before.
—Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetent
Cite this Entry
“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetent. Accessed 29 Jul. 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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