incompetently
UK[ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəntli]US[ɪnˈkɑːmpɪtəntli]
adv
in a manner that lacks the skill or ability to do something successfully or satisfactorily.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
competent
ly
in
not
competent
capable
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'incompetently' is built upon the latin foundation of competere, which originally meant "to come together, agree, be suitable". the prefix in- negates this core meaning, creating the adjective 'incompetent' to describe one who is not suitable or capable. the old english adverbial suffix -ly is then appended to describe the manner of performing an action. thus, the modern adverb encapsulates a journey from a classical concept of suitability to a contemporary description of inadequate performance, with each morpheme contributing clearly to its final sense.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + competent (capable) + ly (adverb suffix)
- in: a latin prefix meaning "not" or "without", serving a negating function.
- competent: from latin competent- (present participle stem of competere), meaning "suitable, capable". in english, it functions as the adjective root.
- ly: an old english suffix used to form adverbs from adjectives, indicating manner or way.
Examples
the clerk handled the confidential files incompetently, causing a security breach.
the machine was repaired so incompetently that it broke down again the next day.
he argued his case incompetently, failing to present the key evidence.