incompetence /inkom″pətəns/ [L, in, not, competentia, capable] , 1. lack of ability to function. Kinds include ileocecal incompetence, aortic incompetence, valvular incompetence. See also incompetence. −incompetent, adj. 2. (in law) inability to function at a safe level or to provide care that is consistent with standards of practice. 3. legal status of a person declared to be unable to provide for his or her own needs and protection. The status must be proved in a court hearing.
