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incompetent

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The definition of incompetent is someone or something not qualified, inadequate or insufficient for a given purpose.

(adjective)

An example of incompetent is a person getting behind the wheel of a manual transmission car, who doesn't know how to drive with a stick shift.

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See incompetent in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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

Origin: Fr incompétent < LL incompetens: see in- & competent

noun

an incompetent person; esp., one who is mentally deficient

Related Forms:

incompetence noun or incompetency
incompetently adverb

See incompetent in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Not qualified in legal terms: a defendant who was incompetent to stand trial.
Inadequate for or unsuited to a particular purpose or application.
Devoid of those qualities requisite for effective conduct or action.

noun

An incompetent person.

Related Forms:

in·comˈpe·tent·ly adverb

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