incompetent

adjective

in·​com·​pe·​tent (ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt How to pronounce incompetent (audio)
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 Changes to voting in nursing homes and rules for incompetent voters Evers vetoed two bills that would have overhauled how residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities could cast ballots, and for voters who are determined to be incompetent. Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024 Some were put in conservatorships after they were found incompetent to stand trial and still weren’t well enough to stand trial after two years of treatment. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 This system was in place where Osages who were declared incompetent had to have a white person — mostly a white male — handling their finances and granting them access to their money. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 8 Mar. 2024 But don’t come at me for being incompetent and clueless as a parent. Saul Austerlitz, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024 Typically, criminal defendants determined to be incompetent are sent for treatment by DCF, which operates six state psychiatric hospitals across the state, including South Florida State Hospital in Pembroke Pines. Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 It was not demoralized, incompetent, or ill-equipped. Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 15 Feb. 2024 He was certified mentally incompetent in September 2021; six months later, a judge authorized the involuntarily medication of Woods with antipsychotic drugs, court records show. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2024 Unfortunately, their quest takes many wrong turns, including a laughable fake ID, two incompetent cops, and multiple car accidents. Shania Russell, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024

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.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of incompetent was in 1595

Dictionary Entries Near incompetent

Cite this Entry

“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetent. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

incompetent

1 of 2 adjective
in·​com·​pe·​tent
(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ənt
1
: not legally qualified
2
: lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) needed to do something well
an incompetent writer
incompetently adverb

incompetent

2 of 2 noun
: an incompetent person

Medical Definition

incompetent

adjective
in·​com·​pe·​tent (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ənt How to pronounce incompetent (audio)
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 How to pronounce incompetent (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on incompetent

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