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.

Brittan, from Devon, who spoke to the BBC after waiving her automatic lifelong right to anonymity, described the Met as "shambolic, incompetent and complicit".

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Pete Hegseth is no Melvin Laird — Nixon’s defense secretary who was so incompetent as to be blamed for losing the Vietnam War.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

When my wife was pregnant, her OB-GYN declared her cervix to be incompetent and put her on bed rest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 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

A whole army of incompetent cellists could not have made this sound.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!