Entry Word: inept

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job <a well-meaning but inept secretary> — see incompetent
2 not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation <an inept comparison between nursing-home residents and day-care children> — see inappropriate
3 showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation) <an inept effort to be friends with their future son-in-law> — see awkward 2