incompetent
UK[ɪnˈkɒmpɪtənt]US[ɪnˈkɑːmpɪtənt]
adj
not having the necessary skill or knowledge to do something successfully.
adj
(law) not qualified to act in a particular capacity.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
competent
in
not
competent
capable
Etymology
the word 'incompetent' is formed by adding the latin negative prefix 'in-' to the adjective 'competent'. the root 'competent' traces back to the latin verb 'competere', which originally meant 'to come together, agree, be suitable'. this verb is a compound of 'com-' (meaning 'together') and 'petere' (meaning 'to aim at, seek'). over time, the sense evolved from 'being suitable' to 'having adequate skill or ability'. therefore, 'incompetent' literally means 'not suitable or capable', a meaning that has remained consistent from its latin construction into modern english usage, applying broadly to a lack of requisite skill or legal qualification.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + competent (capable)
in- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'not'); competent (from latin 'competent-', present participle stem of 'competere', meaning 'to be fit, proper, or capable').
Examples
he was dismissed for being grossly incompetent.
the court ruled she was an incompetent witness.
the team's incompetent handling of the project led to its failure.