incompetent
UK: ɪnˈkɒmpɪtənt | US: ɪnˈkɑːmpɪtənt
adj. lacking the necessary skills or ability to do something effectively
adj. not legally qualified to perform a task or role
n. a person who is incapable or unskilled
The word "incompetent" originates from Latin incompetentem, combining the negative prefix in- (not) with competentem (sufficient, capable). The root compet- derives from competere (to strive together, be suitable), from com- (together) + petere (to seek). Over time, competentem evolved to mean "adequately skilled," while incompetent retained its negative connotation of inadequacy. The suffix -ent marks it as an adjective.
The manager was fired for being incompetent at handling team conflicts.
The court ruled the witness incompetent to testify due to memory lapses.
His incompetent approach to the project caused costly delays.
She felt incompetent when compared to her highly skilled colleagues.
The contractor’s incompetent work led to the building’s structural flaws.