Definition of "incompetent" in English

adjective

1. Lacking the degree of ability and responsibility necessary to do a task successfully.

   • Near-synonyms: incapable, inable, unable
   • Having an incompetent lawyer may be grounds for a retrial, but the lawyer in question probably doesn't know that.

2. Unable to make rational decisions; insane or otherwise cognitively impaired.

   • The charged was judged incompetent to stand trial, at least until his medication started working.

3. (medicine, of the cervix) Opening too early during pregnancy, resulting in miscarriage or premature birth.

   • Near-synonyms: dysfunctional, nonfunctioning

4. (geology) Not resistant to deformation or flow.

noun

1. A person who is incompetent.