inept

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
4. The real hackers have an understanding of technology at a basic level. … The rest are talentless poseurs and hangers-on, either completely inept or basic criminals. —Bruce Schneier, Secrets & Lies, 2000
5. To Cornelius, the White House travel office must have seemed—as it would have to any of the others who had served on the tight ship of the campaign's travel operation—an appallingly inept … operation. —Peter J. Boyer, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 1996

Origin of INEPT

Middle French inepte, from Latin ineptus, from in- + aptus apt

First Known Use: 1542

Related to INEPT

Synonyms

inapt, incapable, incompetent, inexpert, unable, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful

Antonyms

able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent

Related Words

ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient; amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional; unequipped, unprepared, untrained; useless, worthless; disqualified, ineligible; wanting

Near Antonyms

prepared, ready, trained; overqualified; accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced (also practised), seasoned, veteran, virtuoso; all-around (also all-round), protean, versatile

See Synonym Discussion at awkward

Rhymes with INEPT

accept, adept, backswept, concept, except, percept, precept, transept, upswept, windswept