adjective

incompetent

incompetent, inept, unskilled

He is completely incompetent at his job.

He is completely incompetent at his job.

The work was done by an incompetent builder.

The work was done by an incompetent builder.

to be incompetent at ((-ing/sth.)) She is incompetent at dealing with customers.

Synonyms: inept, unskilled, incapable; Antonyms: competent, capable, skilled

From 'in-' (not) + 'competent' (having the necessary ability or knowledge).

Break it down: 'in-' means 'not', so it literally means 'not competent'. Imagine someone who can't compete because they lack skill.

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