What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unprofessional
Example
It was unprofessional of the employee to speak rudely to the customer. [unprofessional: adjective]
Example
The company's decision to cut corners on safety measures was highly unprofessional. [unprofessional: adjective]
incompetent
Example
The new hire was incompetent and made several costly mistakes. [incompetent: adjective]
Example
The manager was fired for being incompetent and failing to meet performance goals. [incompetent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incompetent is more commonly used than unprofessional in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Unprofessional is more specific to workplace or business settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unprofessional and incompetent?
Both unprofessional and incompetent are typically associated with an informal or negative tone. However, unprofessional may be used in more formal contexts, such as discussing professional standards or ethics.
