Synonyms for

Incompetent

Verb / ˌɪˈnkɑ:mpʌtʌnt / Another word for incompetent — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not having the necessary skills or abilities to do something successfully

Synonyms & similar words

unqualified incapable competent bungling clumsy unskilled incompetentperson unequalto fumbling inept unskilled unqualified inexperienced inapt clumsy awkward bungling inefficient unable incapable unfit inadequate deficient lacking substandard poor mediocre bad awful

Synonyms by register

Formal

ineffectual unskilled incapable inept

Informal

useless clumsy butterfingers all thumbs

Literary

unapt unserviceable

Antonyms

competent capable skilled efficient adept proficient expert

Common collocations

  • utterly incompetent
  • grossly incompetent
  • clearly incompetent
  • incompetent staff
  • incompetent driver
  • incompetent management
  • incompetent to stand trial

Word family

noun incompetence
adjective incompetent
adverb incompetently

Usage note

Often used to describe a lack of skill or ability in a particular task or role. Can sometimes be used to describe a lack of legal capacity, as in 'incompetent to stand trial'.

Example sentences

  1. The incompetent doctor misdiagnosed the patient's illness.
  2. The incompetent teacher couldn't control her class.
  3. The incompetent lawyer lost the case.
  4. The company fired the incompetent employee.
  5. The incompetent chef burned the food.

Quotes

  • Incompetence is the mother of necessity.
  • Incompetence knows no barriers of time or place.
  • Incompetent people are always at their best.

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