ineptitude

noun

in·​ep·​ti·​tude (ˌ)i-ˈnep-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce ineptitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
: the quality or state of being inept
especially : incompetence

Examples of ineptitude in a Sentence

The team's poor play is being blamed on the ineptitude of the coaching staff. the nurse's ineptitude made it clear that she would be happier in a different line of work
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.
The full extent of the police’s ineptitude has yet to be revealed. Cameron MacDonald, Mercury News, 2 July 2025 The Padres’ ineptitude at the plate almost didn’t fly last night against the team with the third-worst record in the National League. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025 Most of that success comes down to the Chiefs' greatness but they've also been helped plenty by the ineptitude of the teams sharing the AFC West with them. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 But the Rangers’ offensive ineptitude is not a new problem. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ineptitude

Word History

Etymology

Latin ineptitudo, from ineptus

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineptitude was in 1615

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ineptitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineptitude. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ineptitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!