'incompetent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incompetens,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'competens' meant 'suitable or capable.'

'incompetens' transformed into the French word 'incompétent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'incompetent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not suitable or capable,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.