paresseux et incompétent
The phrase "lazy and incompetent" in French is paresseux et incompétent.
Used to describe someone who lacks both the will to work and the ability to do a job correctly.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is paresseux et incompétent. To describe a woman, use the feminine form paresseuse et incompétente. When describing a group of men or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural form paresseux et incompétents. If the group consists only of women, use the feminine plural form paresseuses et incompétentes.
Did you know?
- The word paresseux describes not just a lack of effort, but can also refer to the 'sloth' animal in French, known as the paresseux.
- In French, paresse is often personified as one of the seven deadly sins, giving the term paresseux a stronger moral weight than the English 'lazy'.
- While paresseux refers to the will to work, French has a separate word, fainéant, which specifically describes someone who is 'do-nothing' or avoids work entirely.
Examples in context
- Il est paresseux et incompétent.He is lazy and incompetent.
- Ce stagiaire est paresseux et incompétent.This intern is lazy and incompetent.
- Je ne veux pas travailler avec un homme paresseux et incompétent.I don't want to work with a lazy and incompetent man.
- Le nouveau manager est paresseux et incompétent.The new manager is lazy and incompetent.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing a former coworker.
- GabrielQue penses-tu de l'ancien collègue ?What do you think of the former colleague?
- LéaHonnêtement, il était paresseux et incompétent.Honestly, he was lazy and incompetent.
- GabrielC'est vrai, il faisait beaucoup d'erreurs.That is true, he made a lot of mistakes.
- LéaOui, c'était très frustrant pour nous.Yes, it was very frustrating for us.
