incompetence

noun

in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s 

: the state or fact of being incompetent

Synonyms of incompetence

• inability

Examples of incompetence in a Sentence

Because of his incompetence, we won't make our deadline.

She was fired for gross incompetence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities has been revealed as a nest of incompetence in its powerful central office. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

At the start of the 1986-87 season, a combination of previous boardroom incompetence and broader economics saw Middlesbrough not just in the Third Division, but with their ground, Ayresome Park, padlocked. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Whereas Putin takes extravagant risks on the international stage but is loath to hold his associates accountable for incompetence, Xi is just the opposite. — Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Still, the movie does at times rely on convenient incompetence. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incompetence

• competence

Kids Definition

incompetence

noun

in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s 

: the quality, state, or fact of being incompetent

Medical Definition

incompetence

noun

in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s 

1

: lack of legal qualification

2

: inability of an organ or part to perform its function adequately

incompetence of an aortic valve

Legal Definition

incompetence

noun

in·​com·​pe·​tence in-ˈkäm-pə-təns 

: the state or fact of being incompetent compare competency