Main Entry: in·com·pe·tent

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent

Date: 1595

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