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.

“The VEC is not incompetent. They’re just working with limited resources within extremely challenging circumstances,” said Democratic Sen. Adam Ebbin, who leads the legislative panel and has pushed for more agency funding.

From Washington Times • Dec. 7, 2023

“People have called her stupid and incompetent. She’s a smart and good person who was just put in a really bad spot.”

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2023

"Totally incompetent. Totally in disarray. Totally at war with one another."

From Salon • Jul. 26, 2020

“Totally incompetent. Totally in disarray. Totally at war with one another.”

From Washington Post • Jul. 21, 2020

"Ninety percent of residents signed an independent petition asking for there to be an investigation into the organization that runs this building because they were so incompetent. And the council turned it down."

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2017

Vocabulary lists containing incompetent

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3

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ACT Vocabulary List

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Awkward Moments

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