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
Synonyms
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
In normal circumstances, such an incompetent and aggressive minister of culture, who is turning the ministry against the cultural community, would be forced to step down immediately.
—
George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2024
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 'An incompetent circus': Michael Gableman's 2020 election review reaches 1 year and the $1 million mark with little to show, Jan. 26, 2023.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 12 July 2024
In an attempt to prevent her from testifying in her brother’s trial, Brando quickly sent her back to Tahiti, where she was deemed mentally incompetent to testify by a French court, per the Los Angeles Times.
—Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 11 Aug. 2024
Meanwhile, at Pierpoint, the company invests in a new client, a green-energy company called Lumi founded by an incompetent CEO Henry Muck (Kit Harington), which triggers an avalanche of problems at the bank.
—Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 11 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incompetent 
George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2024
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 'An incompetent circus': Michael Gableman's 2020 election review reaches 1 year and the $1 million mark with little to show, Jan. 26, 2023.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 12 July 2024
In an attempt to prevent her from testifying in her brother’s trial, Brando quickly sent her back to Tahiti, where she was deemed mentally incompetent to testify by a French court, per the Los Angeles Times.
—Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 11 Aug. 2024
Meanwhile, at Pierpoint, the company invests in a new client, a green-energy company called Lumi founded by an incompetent CEO Henry Muck (Kit Harington), which triggers an avalanche of problems at the bank.
—Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 11 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incompetent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incompetent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near incompetent
Cite this Entry
“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetent. Accessed 8 Sep. 2024.
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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