ineptitude

noun

in·​ep·​ti·​tude (ˌ)i-ˈnep-tə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

: the quality or state of being inept

especially : incompetence

Synonyms of ineptitude

• inability

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

After a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on November 1, a scoreline that does not reflect Tottenham’s ineptitude that day, Van de Ven and Djed Spence caused a stir by ignoring Frank’s attempts to keep the duo on the pitch to applaud the fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026

That spot played off Trainor’s name and comically showed her ineptitude in trying to treat Mahomes. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026

The Dolphins’ ineptitude has accelerated since 2009, when Ross took ownership of the organization. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026

But that should have been at Dicker’s feet, not the officials’ ineptitude. —Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin ineptitudo, from ineptus

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ineptitude

• beatitude
• decrepitude
• disquietude
• exactitude
• infinitude
• ingratitude
• midlatitude
• similitude
• solicitude
• accrued
• allude
• collude