incompetent 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt How to pronounce incompetent (audio)
Definition of incompetentnext
as in unfit
lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job an incompetent carpenter had built the deck, and the railings were loose already

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

incompetent

2 of 2

noun

as in bungler

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of incompetent
Adjective
Hospitals rarely decline because their people become incompetent. — Basel Tarab, STAT, 22 July 2026 Offensive guru Brian Daboll was pretty incompetent as the Giants’ coach and hit the bricks, and in walks Super Bowl winning coach John Harbaugh. — Vic Tafur, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Noun
The Dodgers reached the pinnacle honestly, in a capitalistic structure that properly hands no favors to the incompetent. — Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incompetent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetent
  1. unfit
  2. butcher
  3. unfitted
  4. muddler
  5. incapable
Adjective
  • West Germany 2-1 Netherlands A tournament that was dominated by security concerns in the early stages, and then slightly ruined later on by a sustained period of rainy weather which left the pitches unfit for quality football.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2026
  • Within the context of the ongoing debate, the comment suggested the financial tie could make the company unfit to own the parking meter system.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Definition of unfit
Noun
  • The Morales story began as a small grocery, then a supermarket with a butcher counter, and a cafeteria.
    — Paula de la Cruz, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • After teaching at a local elementary school for the day, Garcia stopped by El Gaucho Meat Market in Redondo Beach, an Argentine butcher and grocery store that supplies products from across South America.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of butcher
Adjective
  • Here, Rodel shares how to make the unfitted kitchen trend your own, one statement-worthy piece at a time.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
  • Mix Materials The beauty in the unfitted kitchen aesthetic is found in its collected look.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Definition of unfitted
Noun
  • Attendees will also have the opportunity to craft a custom muddler from authentic barrel staves and participate in a bung-driving relay that brings a traditional barrel-preparation technique to life.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • For more instant gratification, grab a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon or the end of a rolling pin).
    — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
Definition of muddler
Adjective
  • That injury has long healed — but Carapaz is still seemingly incapable of sitting in his saddle, permanently on his pedals and on the attack, chasing rivals, stages, and the polka-dot jersey.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • Knowing divorce is hard on kids is like knowing that water is wet, cigars are stinky, and that Selena Gomez is incapable of acting.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 July 2026
Definition of incapable

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetent. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incompetent

Nglish: Translation of incompetent for Spanish Speakers

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