Incompetent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt/ in·com·pe·tent

Meaning & Definition of Incompetent

Incompetent (adjective)

  1. lacking the qualities needed for effective action, lacking necessary ability or skills
  2. unable to function properly
  3. not legally qualified

Incompetent (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: inapt, incapable, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful
    related: ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional, unequipped, unprepared, untrained, useless, worthless, disqualified, ineligible, wanting
    opposite: able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent
    near: prepared, ready, trained, overqualified, accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, virtuoso, all-around, protean, versatile

Incompetent (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in muddler

    similar: muddler, blunderbuss, blunderer, botcher, bumbler, bungler, butcher, fumbler, screwup
    opposite: ace, adept, crackerjack, expert, maestro, master, virtuoso, wizard

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Incompetent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Incompetent:

inapt, incapable, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful, muddler, blunderbuss, blunderer, botcher, bumbler, bungler, butcher, fumbler, screwup

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Incompetent

Words with the opposite meaning of Incompetent:

able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent, ace, adept, crackerjack, maestro, master, virtuoso, wizard

Related Words for Incompetent

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

Near Antonyms of Incompetent

prepared, ready, trained, overqualified, accomplished, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, all-around, protean, versatile

Word Forms of Incompetent

Derived words: incompetent (noun), incompetently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Incompetent

Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent

First known use: 1595

Frequently Asked Questions about Incompetent

What does "Incompetent" mean?

"Incompetent" means lacking the qualities needed for effective action, lacking necessary ability or skills. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: lacking the qualities needed for effective action, lacking necessary ability or skills. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Incompetent"?

Other words for "Incompetent" include inapt, incapable, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted and unqualified. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Incompetent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Incompetent"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Incompetent". Common alternatives include inapt, incapable, inept, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled and unskillful.

What is the opposite of "Incompetent"?

Antonyms of "Incompetent" include able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled and skillful. Near antonyms include prepared, ready, trained and overqualified.

How do you use "Incompetent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Incompetent" in a sentence: "an incompetent carpenter had built the deck, and the railings were loose already".

Is "Incompetent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Incompetent" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Incompetent"?

"Incompetent" is pronounced /(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt/ and divided into syllables as in·com·pe·tent.

What is the origin of the word "Incompetent"?

"Incompetent" comes from Middle French incompétent, from in- + compétent competent. First known use: 1595.