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Incompetent vs Helpless - What's the difference?

incompetent | helpless |

As adjectives the difference between incompetent and helpless

is that incompetent is unskilled, lacking normally expected degree of ability while helpless is unable to defend oneself or to act without help.

As a noun incompetent

is a person who is incompetent.

incompetent

English

Adjective

(head)
  • Unskilled, lacking normally expected degree of ability.
    • Having an incompetent lawyer may be grounds for a retrial, but the lawyer in question probably doesn't know that.
  • Unable to make rational decisions, insane or otherwise cognitively impaired.
    • The charged was judged incompetent to stand trial, at least until his medication started working.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Usage notes

    The form incompetent of , as in "I am incompetent of doing anything!" is heard (US). It is incorrect, the intended word is incapable.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A person who is incompetent.

    • helpless

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Unable to defend oneself or to act without help.
  • * 1995 , (Bryan Adams),
    • Then when you find yourself lyin' helpless in her arms
    You know you really love a woman
  • Uncontrollable.

    • External links

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