Question

language development: word study
identify the choice that best answers the question
the word competent means \able to do a specific job correctly.\ the word incompetent is formed by adding the latin prefix in- to the word competent.
based on your knowledge of in-, choose the most likely meaning of incompetent
a capable of doing many different jobs
b having a set of skills that apply to various tasks
c lacking the qualities needed to do something well
d unable to maintain focus for long periods of time

Explanation:

The Latin prefix "in - " often means "not" or "lack of". The word "competent" means "able to do a specific job correctly". So when we add "in - " to "competent" to form "incompetent", it should mean the opposite of "competent", that is, lacking the qualities needed to do something well. Option A and B describe positive or broad - skill - related meanings, which are not the opposite of "competent". Option D is about focus, which has nothing to do with the meaning of "competent" or the prefix "in - ".

Answer:

C. lacking the qualities needed to do something well