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
But two recent reports from mental health professionals found that Rudd remains mentally incompetent, Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Heile said in court.
—
Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Sep. 2025
The man seemed to think he was surrounded by incompetent, unintelligent, wastes of space.
—Josh Davis, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
Sanders says that rather than quitting, Underwood was fired for being an incompetent employee.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
The man was charged with multiple felony charges but found incompetent to stand trial.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetent
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Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Sep. 2025
The man seemed to think he was surrounded by incompetent, unintelligent, wastes of space.
—Josh Davis, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
Sanders says that rather than quitting, Underwood was fired for being an incompetent employee.
—Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
The man was charged with multiple felony charges but found incompetent to stand trial.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 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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