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
The film, which is currently shooting on location, follows two incompetent paramedics completely out of their depth, who unwittingly become embroiled in a kidnapping plot.
—
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
No doubt, President Biden was more than peeved that Harris and the Democrat-media-money machine overthrew him for someone that even Joe recognized was glaringly incompetent.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
However, he was found incompetent after pleading not guilty, according to Orange County court documents.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
He's recently begun attacking the U.S. Postal Service as incompetent and untrustworthy — even as the GOP has pushed its voters to embrace the practice.
—Justin Green, Axios, 29 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incompetent 
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Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
No doubt, President Biden was more than peeved that Harris and the Democrat-media-money machine overthrew him for someone that even Joe recognized was glaringly incompetent.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
However, he was found incompetent after pleading not guilty, according to Orange County court documents.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
He's recently begun attacking the U.S. Postal Service as incompetent and untrustworthy — even as the GOP has pushed its voters to embrace the practice.
—Justin Green, Axios, 29 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incompetent
Dictionary Entries Near incompetent
Cite this Entry
“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetent. Accessed 21 Nov. 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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