FAQs
Incompetence or incompetency usually means a lack of legal ability to do something, especially to testify or stand trial. Incompetence can be caused by various types of disqualification, inability, or unfitness. Someone who is judged incompetent by means of a formal hearing may have a guardian appointed by the court.
What does it mean when someone says you're incompetent? ›
adjective. not competent; lacking qualification or ability; incapable: an incompetent candidate. Synonyms: unfit, inadequate, unqualified. Antonyms: qualified, able.
What's another word for being incompetent? ›
amateurish helpless inadequate incapable ineffectual inefficient inept inexperienced unqualified unskilled useless.
What does feeling incompetent mean? ›
1. not possessing the necessary ability, skill, etc to do or carry out a task; incapable. 2. marked by lack of ability, skill, etc.
What are examples of incompetent person? ›
Someone is considered incompetent when they are unable to manage their own affairs due to mental incapacity (such as deterioration or psychosis) or sometimes due to a serious physical disability.
How do you describe an incompetent person? ›
noun. someone who is not competent to take effective action. synonyms: incompetent. types: blunderer, botcher, bumbler, bungler, butcher, fumbler, sad sack, stumbler.
What is the rule of incompetent person? ›
A person cannot be declared incompetent simply because he or she makes irresponsible or foolish decisions, but only if the person is shown to lack the capacity to make sound decisions. For example, a person may not be declared incompetent simply because he or she spends money in ways that seem odd to someone else.
When your boss says you are incompetent? ›
If this happens to you, do your best to take a deep breath and count to three before you react with an outburst that might make matters worse. It's best to take the time to listen to your manager's input and allow yourself a few days to process the information before reacting or responding.
What is the most likely meaning of incompetent? ›
a. : lacking the qualities needed for effective action. b. : unable to function properly. incompetent heart valves.
What is the opposite of an incompetent person? ›
Definitions of incompetence. noun. lack of physical or intellectual ability or qualifications. synonyms: incompetency. antonyms: competence, competency.
lack of ability to do something successfully or as it should be done: Management have demonstrated almost unbelievable incompetence in their handling of the dispute.
What is an incompetent behavior? ›
Incompetence is the inability to perform; lack of competence; ineptitude. Aspects of incompetence include: Administrative incompetence, dysfunctional administrative behaviors that hinder attainment of organization goals.
What happens if you are incompetent? ›
If a loved one is unable to make decisions for him or herself, the court may appoint a substitute decision-maker, called a “guardian.” If a loved one is unable to manage their financial affairs and assets, the court may also appoint a “conservator” to handle their money and property.
What causes incompetence? ›
A common cause of incompetence is laziness, which can lead to mistakes, lateness and other problems. Incompetent people usually neglect to double-check their work, work ends up being done with errors which could lead to making a company look unprofessional or can cause a department to make unnecessary mistakes.
What are examples of mental incompetence? ›
Mental capacity is crucial for a person's ability to make informed decisions about their own life and affairs. Mental incapacity examples, such as dementia, severe learning disabilities, brain injuries, mental health illnesses, strokes, and intoxication, can all impact a person's ability to make decisions.
What makes a patient incompetent? ›
Quick Reference. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a patient who is unable to take a decision for himself in relation to medical treatment because of an impairment of, or a disturbance in the functioning of, the mind or brain.