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Definitions

incompetent

[in-kom-pi-tuhnt] / ɪnˈkɒm pɪ tənt /
ADJECTIVE
unskillful, unable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amateurish helpless inadequate incapable ineffectual inefficient inept inexperienced unqualified unskilled useless
STRONG
amateur raw
WEAK
awkward bungling bush-league clumsy disqualified floundering ineligible inexpert insufficient maladroit not cut out for not equal to not have it out to lunch unadapted unequipped unfit unfitted unhandy uninitiated unproficient untrained
Antonyms
STRONGEST
able capable competent expert qualified skilled strong useful
WEAK
adept dexterous effective efficient experienced proficient skillful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Jury selection is currently scheduled for 26 October and a trial is expected to continue with Smith and their alleged middleman Jacobson, even if Jeffries is ruled incompetent.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Money is the focus in the tracks like “La Moneda,” with Joel’s voice echoing through the backdrop as he proclaims that cash might change some tacky, incompetent chumps, but not him.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

The upside is that you keep your enemies on their toes, while the downside is that you risk looking unsure and incompetent at home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

It would be one thing if Noem were uniquely incompetent.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

Like Holmes, Geological Survey geologist W J. McGee believed it was his duty to protect the temple of Science from profanation by incompetent and overimaginative amateurs.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann