incompetence

noun

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

: the state or fact of being incompetent

Synonyms

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

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

Its canny use of Sérgio’s awkwardness and incompetence to comedic effect also feels like if Alex Ross Perry brought his sense of humor to bear on socio-conscious drama. —Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 17 May 2025

Read’s lawyers say she was framed for O'Keefe's murder and, in opening statements, said the investigation was riddled with error, bias, incompetence and deceit. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 14 May 2025

Team Trump’s erratic game of Russian roulette over tariffs, vaccines and Ukraine are only the most dangerous examples of their unpatriotic incompetence. —Mark Green, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025

Errors are human and inevitable, but errors do not indicate incompetence, greed or corruption. —Primary Care Physicians, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025

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