ineptitude

noun

in·​ep·​ti·​tude (ˌ)i-ˈnep-tə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

: the quality or state of being inept

especially : incompetence

Synonyms

• impotence
• inability
• inadequacy
• incapability
• incapacity
• incompetence
• incompetency
• insufficiency
• powerlessness

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

The Rockies were moldy, having allowed 10 runs or more over four straight games before Sunday, the longest streak of pitching ineptitude by a National League club since Houston in 2007. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 May 2025

But it’s gained credibility thanks solely to the ineptitude of Democratic leadership in handling the bill and the fallout from the debate over it. —Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 7 May 2025

In 2022-23, during the Cleveland Cavaliers series, the offensive ineptitude was apparent. —Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

He was frustrated, too, that such unfulfilled goals were then held up as an example of the country’s ineptitude. —Mara Kardas-Nelson, The Dial, 8 Apr. 2025

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