incompetence Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun lack of physical or intellectual ability or qualifications
    incompetency.
  2. noun inability of a part or organ to function properly

WordNet

In*com"pe*tence, In*com"pe*tency noun (Also<
  • Incompetence
  • Incompetency
)
Etymology
Cf. F. incompétence.
Definitions
  1. The quality or state of being incompetent; want of physical, intellectual, or moral ability; insufficiency; inadequacy; as, the incompetency of a child hard labor, or of an idiot for intellectual efforts. "Some inherent incompetency." Gladstone.
  2. (Law) Want of competency or legal fitness; incapacity; disqualification, as of a person to be heard as a witness, or to act as a juror, or of a judge to try a cause. Syn. -- Inability; insufficiency; inadequacy; disqualification; incapability; unfitness.

Webster 1913