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

The charges of incompetence and making untrue representations remain in place and will be considered at the second hearing, now scheduled for July 23-24, 2026. —Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 13 Mar. 2026

What was happening in Afghanistan was a catastrophe, and there was just no way to defend the utter incompetence on display for the whole world to see. —Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026

Was their weird, half-beautiful and half-grating sound the result of genuine artistic inspiration and innovation, or incompetence? —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2026

Check the Peter Principle, which says people are promoted to their level of incompetence. —NPR, 11 Mar. 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