incompetent (B1)

adjective

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈkɒmpɪtənt/

Definition

Lacking the necessary skill, ability, or knowledge to do something successfully.

Examples

• The company fired the incompetent employee after repeated mistakes.

• His incompetent handling of the situation led to a major crisis.

• She felt incompetent to deal with such a complex legal problem.

How to Use incompetent

incompetent at (prepositional phrase)

Lacking skill or ability in a specific activity. — "He is incompetent at sports."

incompetent to do (prepositional phrase)

Lacking the ability or legal right to perform an action. — "The court found him incompetent to stand trial."

Synonyms of incompetent

Words with a similar meaning to incompetent:

• unskilled
• inept
• unqualified
• inadequate
• bungling

Antonyms of incompetent

Words with the opposite meaning to incompetent:

• competent
• capable
• skilled

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