incompetent

in·com·pe·tent

adj \(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt\

Definition of INCOMPETENT

1

: not legally qualified

2

: inadequate to or unsuitable for a particular purpose

3

a : lacking the qualities needed for effective action b : unable to function properly <incompetent heart valves>

— incompetent noun

— in·com·pe·tent·ly adverb

Examples of INCOMPETENT

1. He is too incompetent to be trusted with such an important responsibility.
2. The patient is mentally incompetent.
3. The defendant was declared incompetent to stand trial.

Origin of INCOMPETENT

Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent

First Known Use: 1595

Related to INCOMPETENT

Synonyms: inapt, incapable, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful

Antonyms: able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent

Related Words: ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient; amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional; unequipped, unprepared, untrained; useless, worthless; disqualified, ineligible; wanting

Near Antonyms: prepared, ready, trained; overqualified; accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced (also practised), seasoned, veteran, virtuoso; all-around (also all-round), protean, versatile

[+]more[-]hide

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal