Not having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. It describes someone who lacks the required qualifications or capability for a particular task or role.
From Latin 'in-' (not) + 'competens' (suitable, fitting), from 'competere' (to be suitable, strive together). The word emphasizes the absence of the qualities that would make someone suitable for a task.
Remember that 'competent' originally meant 'fitting together well' - so incompetent literally means 'not fitting' the situation, like trying to use the wrong puzzle piece!
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