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
He may be frustrated by the lack of basic defensive discipline and shape and Messi may shake his head at the incompetence behind him, but the choices made in roster construction just can’t always be compensated for by the boys from Barcelona.
—
The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Throughout her many times as a political candidate and office holder, Harris has been dogged by allegations of incompetence and indecision, fueled by anonymous quotes and unbelievably bad public appearances.
—Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025
When a defendant's case is dismissed because of permanent incompetence, judges can consider whether the defendant should be civilly committed for involuntary mental health treatment.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2025
In Minnesota, particularly, the Walz voter could not possibly turn against him for his incompetence that led to fraud and a broken trust.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
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The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Throughout her many times as a political candidate and office holder, Harris has been dogged by allegations of incompetence and indecision, fueled by anonymous quotes and unbelievably bad public appearances.
—Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025
When a defendant's case is dismissed because of permanent incompetence, judges can consider whether the defendant should be civilly committed for involuntary mental health treatment.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2025
In Minnesota, particularly, the Walz voter could not possibly turn against him for his incompetence that led to fraud and a broken trust.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetence. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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