243 Another Word for Incompetent? – Incompetent Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say incompetent differently? Here are other words for incompetent and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of incompetent

The primary meaning of the word "incompetent" refers to a lack of ability or qualification to perform a task or job.

Etymology of incompetent

The word "incompetent" originates from the Latin words "in-" meaning "not" and "competens" meaning "suitable" or "qualified", with "competens" being derived from "competere" meaning "to be suitable" or "to meet".
Historically, the term has been used since the 15th century to describe individuals who lack the necessary skills or qualifications to perform a task or job.

Synonyms

inadequate unqualified inept ineffectual inefficient unskilled untrained amateurish clumsy bungling inelegant unprofessional careless reckless irresponsible incapable powerless helpless ineffective useless futile feeble weak lacking deficient subpar mediocre poor unsatisfactory unacceptable ineptitude unproficient maladroit hapless unsuccessful unaccomplished unproductive counterproductive detrimental disastrous calamitous catastrophic lamentable deplorable regrettable unfortunate unhappy infelicitous.

Definitions

  • Lacking the necessary skills, qualifications, or experience to perform a task or job satisfactorily.
  • Not having or showing the necessary skills, ability, or knowledge to do something successfully.
  • Legally, a person who is deemed unable to manage their own affairs due to mental or physical incapacity.

Usage Examples

  • The new employee was deemed incompetent and let go after a month of underperforming.
  • The judge ruled that the defendant was incompetent to stand trial due to mental health issues.
  • The company's incompetent management led to financial difficulties and eventual bankruptcy.

Antonyms

competent capable skilled proficient qualified experienced able adept skilled talented gifted expert professional accomplished effective efficient successful satisfactory acceptable adequate sufficient ample proficient apt adroit deft dexterous handy ingenious resourceful clever brilliant exceptional outstanding superb excellent superior supreme first-rate top-notch world-class.

Related Adjectives

inadequate inept ineffectual inefficient unskilled untrained amateurish clumsy bungling inelegant unprofessional careless reckless irresponsible incapable powerless helpless ineffective useless futile feeble weak lacking deficient subpar mediocre poor unsatisfactory unacceptable inept maladroit hapless unsuccessful unaccomplished unproductive counterproductive detrimental disastrous calamitous catastrophic lamentable deplorable regrettable unfortunate unhappy infelicitous unqualified disqualified unfit unprepared unready unsuitable inappropriate inapt inept clumsy awkward gauche gawky ungainly uncoordinated unsteady unstable insecure uncertain unreliable untrustworthy.

Related Nouns

incompetence incapacity inadequacy ineptness ineffectiveness inefficiency unfitness unqualifiedness disqualification disability weakness flaw defect shortcoming limitation restriction hindrance obstacle barrier impediment encumbrance handicap disability malfunction failure fiasco debacle disaster catastrophe calamity misfortune misadventure mishap mistake error blunder gaffe faux pas.

Related Verbs

fail malfunction mismanage mishandle botch bungle fumble stumble trip slip err mistake blunder flounder struggle founder sink drown collapse crumble disintegrate deteriorate degenerate decline weaken wane fade flag falter hesitate stutter stammer stumble stagger limp hobble cripple disable incapacitate hinder obstruct impede block bar hamper restrict limit constrain confine.
Share your love