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 past thousand or so years of history shows far more countries failed due to economic ineptitude than military conflict. Letters To The Editor, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2025 But while the new movie dawdles on its way to Toxie’s origins, then rushes toward a finale with a lurching rhythm that verges on calculated ineptitude, its spirit never feels inauthentic. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025 There was optimism that after decades of ineptitude, the Browns had finally landed a legitimate franchise QB. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 Long-range ineptitude, fastbreak success The Valkyries shot 3 of 15 from the 3-point line in the first half, forcing up shots due to their inability to break down the compact Suns defense. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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