as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the astounding incompetence of the new assistant
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incompetence
When this happens, the brain can interpret the bad feelings that arise as evidence of incompetence or a character flaw.
—
Nir Eyal, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Her gleeful cruelty was matched only by the audacity of her incompetence.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
In all probability, Noem’s fatal error was not infidelity, incompetence, or self-enrichment.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
No one else but the working class has any money or a job to pay for the city’s incompetence.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Nir Eyal, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Her gleeful cruelty was matched only by the audacity of her incompetence.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
In all probability, Noem’s fatal error was not infidelity, incompetence, or self-enrichment.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
No one else but the working class has any money or a job to pay for the city’s incompetence.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetence
inability
Noun
-
Punch was the best big man on the floor with 24 points and 10 rebounds, but Edmonds’ inability to make an impact with just five points played a big role in TCU falling.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Rozman has been teaching chess for years, and in his experience, chess obliterates a kid’s inability to cope with defeat.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetence. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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