incompetent 1 of 2

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tənt How to pronounce incompetent (audio)
Definition of incompetentnext
as in unfit
lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job an incompetent carpenter had built the deck, and the railings were loose already

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incompetent

2 of 2

noun

as in bungler

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of incompetent
Adjective
But by the time of his indictment, Lorch was in failing health and found incompetent to stand trial, and lawsuits against him and the church were dismissed due to statute of limitations issues. — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Porterville holds adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities who have come in contact with the legal system and are either incompetent to stand trial or deemed a risk to themselves or others. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
The Dodgers reached the pinnacle honestly, in a capitalistic structure that properly hands no favors to the incompetent. — Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incompetent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetent
  1. unfit
  2. butcher
  3. unfitted
  4. muddler
  5. incapable
Adjective
  • The complaint also alleges Wendy's failed to warn customers of the alleged danger and served food that was unfit for human consumption.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • His reelection campaign has been rocked by the allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and her senator dad, who says Miller is unfit to serve in Congress.
    — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfit
Noun
  • Durant's Steakhouse At Durant’s Steakhouse in Phoenix, the Chef’s Cut Hanging Bacon at Durant’s begins with premium, generously thick cut Colorado Farms bacon, hand cut each day by master butchers.
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • It was constructed in 1897 as part of the area’s military campus, and over time was used as an army depot, a butcher shop, an animal-feed store and a mailroom.
    — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of butcher
Adjective
  • Here, Rodel shares how to make the unfitted kitchen trend your own, one statement-worthy piece at a time.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
  • Mix Materials The beauty in the unfitted kitchen aesthetic is found in its collected look.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Definition of unfitted
Noun
  • Attendees will also have the opportunity to craft a custom muddler from authentic barrel staves and participate in a bung-driving relay that brings a traditional barrel-preparation technique to life.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • For more instant gratification, grab a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon or the end of a rolling pin).
    — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
Definition of muddler
Adjective
  • What’s left is a vaguely political YouTube series afraid of its own tail, incapable of being actually relatable and too cowardly to own the batshit truths of these people’s lives.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • It’s not intended for the silent majority who have suffered long for the team, while being incapable of stomaching Watson.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of incapable

Browse Nearby Words

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incompetent
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Cite this Entry

“Incompetent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetent. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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