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 This can cause feelings of incompetence, leading to self-doubt, decision paralysis and a lack of trust and safety in the relationship. Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 This should include mentoring and executive coaching so that no one is promoted to a level of incompetence. Jason Richmond, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Sometimes the legislative ambiguity that surrenders control is accidental — a mark of plain incompetence. Clive Crook, Twin Cities, 10 Feb. 2024 Joe Biden is the first official ever to be cleared by a special counsel for reasons of mental incompetence. Rich Lowry, National Review, 9 Feb. 2024 The government has, in turn, brushed off the criticism and at times accused the main opposition of incompetence that has hindered reconstruction that seems to be progressing more quickly elsewhere. Scott McLean, CNN, 6 Feb. 2024 There are currently no effective treatments for severe CVI of the deep vein system caused by valvular incompetence and the Company estimates that there are approximately 2.5 million new patients each year in the U.S. that could be candidates for the VenoValve. Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024 Ukraine has virtually no navy of its own, but technological innovation, audacity and Russian incompetence have given it the upper hand in much of the Black Sea. Tim Lister and Victoria Butenko, CNN, 14 Feb. 2024 Israel can’t accept this, given the authority’s corruption, incompetence and unpopularity in Gaza and the West Bank. Seth Cropsey, WSJ, 26 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incompetence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incompetence was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near incompetence

Cite this Entry

“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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