Synonyms of incompetencenext
: the state or fact of being incompetent

Synonyms of incompetence

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for incompetence

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incompetence was in 1663

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetence. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

incompetence

noun
: the quality, state, or fact of being incompetent

Medical Definition

incompetence

noun
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
: the state or fact of being incompetent compare competency
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