incompetent
adjective
in·com·pe·tent
(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt 
1
a
: lacking the qualities needed for effective action
b
: unable to function properly
incompetent heart valves
2
: not legally qualified
3
: inadequate to or unsuitable for a particular purpose
incompetent
noun
incompetently
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of incompetent in a Sentence
He is too incompetent to be trusted with such an important responsibility.
The patient is mentally incompetent.
The defendant was declared incompetent to stand trial.
Recent Examples on the Web
Geyser was diagnosed the following August with childhood-onset schizophrenia and ruled incompetent to stand trial, a decision that was reversed that December.
—
Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
In 2023, he was found medically incompetent to stand trial and removed from the case.
—Carol Rosenberg, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The team looked incompetent, even with an extra week to prepare.
—Chad Graff, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
He was arrested in connection with six felony counts of endangering the welfare of incompetent persons and misdemeanor negligent homicide.
—Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for incompetent 
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Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
In 2023, he was found medically incompetent to stand trial and removed from the case.
—Carol Rosenberg, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The team looked incompetent, even with an extra week to prepare.
—Chad Graff, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
He was arrested in connection with six felony counts of endangering the welfare of incompetent persons and misdemeanor negligent homicide.
—Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for incompetent
Dictionary Entries Near incompetent
Cite this Entry
“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetent. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
incompetent
adjective
in·com·pe·tent
(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ənt
1
: not legally qualified
especially
: incapable due to a mental or physical condition
2
: unable to function properly
incompetent heart valves
incompetently
adverb
Legal Definition
incompetent
1 of 2 adjective
in·com·pe·tent
in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt
1
: not legally qualified: as
a
: lacking legal capacity (as because of age or mental deficiency)
b
: incapable due to mental or physical condition compare competent
c
: lacking authority, power, or qualifications required by law
an incompetent court
incompetent evidence
2
: unable or failing to perform adequately
fired for being incompetent
an incompetent attorney
compare ineffective assistance of counsel
incompetent
2 of 2 noun
: a person who is incompetent compare interdict
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