The meaning of INCOMPETENT is lacking the qualities needed for effective action : lacking necessary ability or skills. How to use incompetent in a sentence.

INCOMPETENT definition: not competent; lacking qualification or ability; incapable. See examples of incompetent used in a sentence.

They are incompetent, from extreme ignorance or vicious habits, to the performance of the most ordinary duties of social life.

Inadequate for or unsuited to a particular purpose or application: "Because so many diseases fluctuate randomly over time, patients sometimes spontaneously improve despite incompetent treatment" …

If you describe someone as incompetent, you are criticizing them because they are unable to do their job or a task properly.

Definition of incompetent adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Jan 14, 2026 · Adjective incompetent (comparative more incompetent, superlative most incompetent) Lacking the degree of ability and responsibility necessary to do a task successfully.

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the word incompetent, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Incompetent refers to a lack of ability, skill, qualification, or capacity to effectively perform a job, task, or role. It can also reference someone who is unable to make decisions or manage personal affairs, …

in•com•pe•tent /ɪnˈkɑmpɪtənt/ adj. lacking qualification or ability; incapable: incompetent to do that work. Law not legally qualified: incompetent to stand trial. n. [countable] an incompetent person, as one …