incompetence

noun

in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s 

: the state or fact of being incompetent

Synonyms of incompetence

• inability

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

Ah, the quaint days of 2004, when millions of people would crowd into theaters to watch a documentary about geopolitical incompetence. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Treat mistakes as information rather than evidence of incompetence, and people might become more willing to try new things. — Vinesh Sukumaran, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities has been revealed as a nest of incompetence in its powerful central office. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

But overcoming four straight years of loyalty to stunning incompetence is proving difficult. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incompetence

• competence

Kids Definition

incompetence

noun

in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s 

: the quality, state, or fact of being incompetent

Medical Definition

incompetence

noun

in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s 

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 

: the state or fact of being incompetent compare competency