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

Leaders often face dangerous blind spots, not from incompetence, but from strengths like confidence and decisiveness becoming liabilities. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Trump’s incompetence throughout this vendetta against Comey is perhaps its most welcome aspect. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

In an April 2025 meeting, FCMAT CEO Mike Fine said a two-month financial investigation found the district’s problems stemmed from poor budget development and management, incompetence and staff behavior. — Velvet Wu july 25, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

And abundance, not incompetence, is what destroyed its price. — François Candelon, Fortune, 24 July 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