How to pronounce incompetent
Say it like in-KOM-puh-tunt. Incompetent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce incompetent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- KOM
- puh
- tunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Incompetent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KOMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of incompetent
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: in-KOM-puh-tunt.
What does incompetent mean?
- someone who is not competent to take effective action
- legally not qualified or sufficient“a wife is usually considered unqualified to testify against her husband”“incompetent witnesses”
- not qualified or suited for a purpose“an incompetent secret service”“the filming was hopeless incompetent”
- showing lack of skill or aptitude“a bungling workman”“did a clumsy job”
Where does incompetent come from?
Borrowed from French incompétent, from Late Latin incompetentem, from Latin incompetēns, equivalent to in- + competent.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying incompetent
How do you pronounce incompetent?
Say in-KOM-puh-tunt. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈkɑmpətənt/. In British English it is /ˌɪnˈkɒmpətənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in incompetent?
Incompetent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOM). Broken into parts: in · KOM · puh · tunt.
Is incompetent pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌɪnˈkɒmpətənt/ (in-KOM-puh-tunt).