Lacking qualifications or ability; incapable of making effective independent decisions (adjective)
Looking for the answer to the USA Today Rootonym clue “Lacking qualifications or ability; incapable of making effective independent decisions (adjective)”? The solution is INCOMPETENT, a 11-letter word built on the root PET (“attack, seek, ask”). It appeared in the August 13, 2026 (Thursday) USA Today Rootonym. See the full puzzle for that day's other words.
In a sentence
Frank had to fire an INCOMPETENT worker who made five serious mistakes within two weeks.
About this clue
The Rootonym clue “Lacking qualifications or ability; incapable of making effective independent decisions (adjective)” has the answer INCOMPETENT (11 letters), built on the root PET, which means “attack, seek, ask”. Browse the full August 13, 2026 Rootonym puzzle for the other three words, or see all Rootonym answers.