incompetence

noun

in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
: the state or fact of being incompetent

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.
In his remarks, Mr. Trump equated diversity with incompetence, and effectively aligned himself with people who use diversity, equity and inclusion, or D.E.I., as a proxy for race, a dog whistle for white grievance, and a catchall for societal ills. Jonathan Swan, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Read’s defense attorney, Alan Jackson, told the jury the collision did not happen and the investigation into Read was filled with errors, bias and incompetence. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 Lastly there’s the Rockies who are embarking on their seventh straight losing season since being swept in the 2018 NLDS — all of which can be attributed not to penny pinching but rather the incompetence of owner Monfort. Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025 Gold has always held a special allure for investors who see it as a safe harbor, especially today when incompetence at the top threatens to blow up financial assets. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 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 4 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

incompetence

noun
in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
: the quality, state, or fact of being incompetent

Medical Definition

incompetence

noun
in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
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 How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
: the state or fact of being incompetent compare competency

More from Merriam-Webster on incompetence

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