Dictionary Home »
Webster's New World College Dictionary » incompetent
incompetent
incompetent definition
in·com·pe·tent (in käm′pə tənt)
adjective
- without adequate ability, knowledge, fitness, etc.; failing to meet requirements; incapable; unskillful
- not legally qualified
- lacking strength and sufficient flexibility to transmit pressure, thus breaking or flowing under stress: said of rock structures
Etymology: Fr incompétent < LL incompetens: see in- & competent
noun
an incompetent person; esp., one who is mentally deficient
Related Forms:
- incompetence in·com′·pe·tence noun or incompetency in·com′·pe·tency
- incompetently in·com′·pe·tently adverb
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comments
Improve this definition.
Browse dictionary definitions near incompetent
Share on Facebook