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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective inept contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of inept are awkward, clumsy, gauche, and maladroit. While all these words mean "not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct)," inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy.

a hopelessly inept defense attorney

When is it sensible to use awkward instead of inept?

The words awkward and inept can be used in similar contexts, but awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact.

periods of awkward silence

In what contexts can clumsy take the place of inept?

The meanings of clumsy and inept largely overlap; however, clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill.

a clumsy mechanic

When might gauche be a better fit than inept?

The synonyms gauche and inept are sometimes interchangeable, but gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding.

felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties

When could maladroit be used to replace inept?

In some situations, the words maladroit and inept are roughly equivalent. However, maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations.

a maladroit politician

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inept But, in Armstrong’s universe, tech is never morally in the black, and the people who create it are no better than despots—inept ones, at that. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 4 June 2025 Additionally, the lack of housing is a product of inept regulations, such as overly restrictive zoning laws and costly building codes. Wayne Winegarden, Oc Register, 30 May 2025 Slated for release in theaters on October 17, Good Fortune introduces Reeves as Gabriel, a well-meaning but rather inept angel who decides to intervene in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Ansari) and a wealthy venture capitalist (Rogen). Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 May 2025 Popular movements in South Africa, Ukraine, and the Philippines demonstrate a pattern: sustained pressure—cross-class protests, labor strikes, investigative reporting—can chip away at self-enriching, inept regimes. Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inept
Adjective
  • Some seemed to be downright incompetent, Marquez told the jury.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • The defense has argued that others possibly killed O’Keefe inside that home and that the police were either too incompetent or corrupt to investigate that angle.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Satisfied that there may have indeed been inappropriate action on the part of the veteran Karate Kid actor, Sony addressed Kove directly.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 26 June 2025
  • Still, Hinge, as part of Match Group, is using AI for coaching features that help users improve their profile, choose better photos, and filter inappropriate messages before they’re sent.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • At times, Alcaraz was almost as clumsy as Federer in his last hurrah here against Hubert Hurkacz in 2021.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • But things get weighed down by a clumsy body-swapping plot and a pairing between Joe and 22 that never fully pays off.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mexican men were dismissed as violent Panchos and stupid Pedros.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
  • There’s more stupid romance around harder substances but few chemicals are more hazardous to ambition than THC.
    Benjamin Hale June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Brushing up on English has taken on new urgency for future and current truck drivers after President Donald Trump issued an executive order saying truckers who don’t read and speak the language proficiently would be considered unfit for service.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 June 2025
  • These board members have betrayed the public trust and shown themselves to be unfit to govern the district.
    Jay Steiger, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Washing Windows Cleaning windows works best in good lighting to achieve a streak-free finish, making nighttime an unsuitable time for the task.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
  • Directed by Joseph Kahn, the clip features guest appearances from Marlon Lundgren Garcia and MrBeast, who play unsuitable prospects for the singer.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Barely a week goes by without some fresh young talent arriving in West London to pose for the media with a Blue jersey and an awkward grin.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The next mayor, like so many of his predecessors, will have to engage in awkward negotiations with politicians in Albany.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Underestimating China would be a grave error, but underestimating the United States would be equally foolish.
    Damien Ma, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
  • Gi-hun himself proved a tough protagonist to root for when the show began, as a foolish gambling addict hoping to reconnect with his family but who becomes obsessed with the games anyway.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inept. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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