What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Incontinent vs Incompetent - What's the difference?

incontinent | incompetent |

As adjectives the difference between incontinent and incompetent

is that incontinent is unable to contain or retain while incompetent is unskilled, lacking normally expected degree of ability.

As nouns the difference between incontinent and incompetent

is that incontinent is one who is unchaste while incompetent is a person who is incompetent.

incontinent

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • (often followed by of) Unable to contain or retain.
  • Lacking the ability to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urination or defecation.
  • Lacking moral or sexual restraint, moderation or self-control, especially of sexual desire.
  • Unrestrained or unceasing.
    • An incontinent river of pure water.

    Antonyms

    * continent * restrained

    Related terms

    * incontinence * incontinency * incontinently

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (obsolete) One who is unchaste.
    • (Ben Jonson)
    ----

    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.