Inklingo

How to Say "incompetent person" in Spanish

English → Spanish

incapaz

een-kah-PAHZ/in.kaˈpaθ/

NounB2General
Use 'incapaz' when referring to someone who fundamentally lacks the necessary skills or ability to perform a task or role effectively, often implying a general lack of competence.
A clumsy, cartoon chef wearing a tall white hat, standing next to a stove where a pot is smoking heavily and emitting black smoke, symbolizing incompetence in cooking.

Examples

El nuevo empleado es un incapaz; no puede seguir instrucciones básicas.

The new employee is incompetent; he can't follow basic instructions.

No lo dejes a cargo, es un completo incapaz.

Don't leave him in charge, he is completely incompetent (a total bungler).

La junta directiva despidió a varios incapaces.

The board of directors fired several incompetent individuals.

Adjective becomes a Noun

In Spanish, many adjectives can be used directly as nouns (substantivized) when referring to a person who possesses that quality. Here, 'el incapaz' or 'la incapaz' means 'the incapable one'.

inútil

NounB2Informal
Choose 'inútil' when describing someone who is completely useless or unable to do anything helpful, often implying a more severe lack of capability or a feeling of being a burden.

Examples

Intenté enseñarle a cocinar, pero es un inútil total.

I tried to teach him to cook, but he's a total good-for-nothing.

Incapaz vs. Inútil

Learners often confuse 'incapaz' and 'inútil'. While both mean incompetent, 'incapaz' focuses on a lack of skill or ability, whereas 'inútil' carries a stronger, more negative connotation of being completely useless or worthless.

Related Translations

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