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

In the past year, some out-of-power former officials and their allies have been implying the 2024 audit is so severely late because of incompetence or malfeasance. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026

This incompetence is portrayed painfully well on the show. —Ginny Hogan, Parents, 17 Dec. 2025

Berry argues that this failure owes to the poor implementation of reform policies, political resistance by large landowners, and the corruption and incompetence of officials. —Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

While there is generally more going on than in the uneventful first movie, the sequel’s writing displays a different kind of incompetence. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2025

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