ineptitude

noun

in·​ep·​ti·​tude (ˌ)i-ˈnep-tə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

: the quality or state of being inept

especially : incompetence

Synonyms

• inability

Examples of ineptitude in a Sentence

The team's poor play is being blamed on the ineptitude of the coaching staff.

the nurse's ineptitude made it clear that she would be happier in a different line of work

Recent Examples on the Web

Conversely, Five Below exemplifies how to shatter AI strategy inertia and overcome digital era ineptitude: 1. —Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Whether the latter is due to age or Phoenix’s team-wide defensive ineptitude remains to be seen. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 June 2025

Cruise and McQuarrie have proven that their oversimplified mission to save us from Hollywood ineptitude is impossible. —Armond White, National Review, 23 May 2025

In the initial months of Donald Trump’s second Administration, the qualities of malevolence, retribution, and bewildering velocity have obscured somewhat the ineptitude of its principals. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin ineptitudo, from ineptus

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ineptitude

• beatitude
• decrepitude
• disquietude
• exactitude
• infinitude
• ingratitude
• midlatitude
• similitude
• solicitude
• accrued
• allude
• collude