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

Which means the Mexican people must routinely escape to a better life, one that unfortunately saves the Sheinbaum’s of the world from their own incompetence. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

This is not an office known for its incompetence. —Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

Pratt quickly became a relentless and vocal critic of both Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing them of incompetence and negligence in a series of videos shared to his social media accounts since the fires. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 May 2026

The only thing worse than the report explaining that the party is wrong on policy is the appearance of incompetence at evaluating what went wrong in 2024. —Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 23 May 2026

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