How to say "incompetent" in Japanese

• 非力ひりきCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'incompetent' in the sense of lacking ability or power — being unable to accomplish something, close to 'powerless'. It points to a plain lack of strength or capability rather than to clumsiness or awkwardness.
• 不器用ぶきようCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'incompetent' as clumsiness or ineptitude — someone who bungles what they attempt, whether with their hands or in dealing with people, where it shades into social awkwardness.

Use 非力 for 'incompetent' meaning lacking the ability or power to get something done, and 不器用 for 'incompetent' meaning clumsy or inept — bungling what one attempts, including awkwardness with people.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 能無しのうなしincompetent
• 無能者むのうしゃincompetent (person)
• 能がないのうがないincompetent
• 能のないのうのないincompetent
• へっぽこhack
• 至らないいたらないimperfect
• ふつつかinexperienced
• 腕が悪いうでがわるいunskilled
• 至らぬいたらぬimperfect
• 無資格者むしかくしゃunqualified or unlicensed person
• 非力ひりきincompetent
• 不肖ふしょうincompetent
• 不器用ぶきようincompetent
• ぶきっちょincompetent
• 半人前はんにんまえinexperienced