Spanish word

incompetente

Pronunciation

IPA/iŋkompeˈtente/

Meaning

  • adjectiveincompetent

Example

Él es incompetente en su trabajo.

He is incompetent at his job.

Illustration for incompetente (incompetent)

More examples

No contrates a alguien claramente incompetente para tareas críticas.

Do not hire someone obviously incompetent for critical tasks.

Core concept

A technician fumbling with tools while a machine stays broken.

Common phrases

  • incompetente para el puesto

    incompetent for the job

  • claramente incompetente

    obviously incompetent

  • extremadamente incompetente

    extremely incompetent

Similar words

inepto: Lacks the necessary ability or decision-making to handle tasks successfully.
incapaz: Is unable to carry out a particular job or role due to lacking ability.
inútil: Produces no helpful result and contributes nothing useful to the task.
torpe: Is physically clumsy or uncoordinated when handling tools or tasks.

Definition in Spanish

Que no tiene la habilidad, aptitud o conocimientos necesarios para desempeñar correctamente una tarea o un puesto.

Word origin

From Latin in- 'not' and competens 'suitable, capable', the word means not suitable or capable for a task.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 'incompetente' sounds blunt, so speakers often describe the specific missing skill or experience with phrases like 'no tiene experiencia' or 'no está capacitado para...'.

Opposites

Related words

  • incompetenciaincompetencenoun
  • incompetentementeincompetentlyadverb

Word lists with this word