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
Trump is somewhat incompetent at being an autocrat right now.
—
Steve Inskeep, NPR, 6 June 2025
Two common themes emerged: many aren’t sure of who the DA is or what the office does and, those who do know, view the DA as ineffective, unprofessional and, in many cases, incompetent.
—Craig MacLellan, Boston Herald, 3 June 2025
The idea that Ellie is somehow incompetent or dumb is not at all how she’s portrayed in the game or even in season 1 of this show, where she’s repeatedly called smart and just not living up to her potential.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
How many people would publicly accuse their boss of being mentally incompetent?
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetent
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Steve Inskeep, NPR, 6 June 2025
Two common themes emerged: many aren’t sure of who the DA is or what the office does and, those who do know, view the DA as ineffective, unprofessional and, in many cases, incompetent.
—Craig MacLellan, Boston Herald, 3 June 2025
The idea that Ellie is somehow incompetent or dumb is not at all how she’s portrayed in the game or even in season 1 of this show, where she’s repeatedly called smart and just not living up to her potential.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
How many people would publicly accuse their boss of being mentally incompetent?
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 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 10 Jun. 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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