What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jackleg
Example
He's a jackleg carpenter who doesn't know how to properly measure and cut wood. [jackleg: adjective]
Example
The company hired a jackleg accountant who didn't have a degree in finance. [jackleg: noun]
incompetent
Example
The new employee was incompetent and couldn't complete the project on time. [incompetent: adjective]
Example
The company fired the manager for being incompetent and unable to lead the team effectively. [incompetent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incompetent is more commonly used than jackleg in everyday language. Incompetent is a more straightforward and widely recognized term, while jackleg is more colloquial and specific to certain contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between jackleg and incompetent?
Incompetent is generally considered more formal than jackleg. While jackleg can be seen as informal or even slang, incompetent is a more academic and professional term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
