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Incompetent vs Unqualified - What's the difference?

incompetent | unqualified |

As adjectives the difference between incompetent and unqualified

is that incompetent is unskilled, lacking normally expected degree of ability while unqualified is not qualified, ineligible, unfit for a position or task.

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.

    • unqualified

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Not qualified, ineligible, unfit for a position or task.
    • His lack of a high school diploma renders him unqualified for the job.
  • Not elaborated upon, undescribed.
    • Her cooking ability, while mentioned, was unqualified by her.

    Synonyms

    * ineligible * undescribed

    Antonyms

    * (not qualified) qualified, eligible, competent * (not elaborated upon) qualified, described