inept
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in·ept

adjective \i-ˈnept\

Definition of INEPT

1
: lacking in fitness or aptitude : unfit <inept at sports>
2
: lacking sense or reason : foolish
3
: not suitable to the time, place, or occasion : inappropriate often to an absurd degree <an inept metaphor>
4
: generally incompetent : bungling <inept leadership>
in·ept·ly \-ˈnep(t)-lē\ adverb
in·ept·ness \-nəs\ noun

Examples of INEPT

  1. He was completely inept at sports.
  2. He made an inept attempt to apologize.
  3. Not only does the post have a narrow mandate, covering such sexy subjects as nuclear waste and solar energy, but the secretary presides over the most inept bureaucrats in the land. —Franklin Foer, New Republic, 3 July 2000

Origin of INEPT

Middle French inepte, from Latin ineptus, from in- + aptus apt
First Known Use: 1542

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