'incompetence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incompetentia,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'competentia' meant 'suitability or capability.'

'incompetentia' transformed into the French word 'incompétence,' and eventually became the modern English word 'incompetence' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'lack of suitability or capability,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.