Synonyms of incompetence

incompetence

noun

(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s 

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means

the astounding incompetence of the new assistant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inability
• incompetency
• ineptitude
• incapacity
• impotence
• powerlessness
• incapability
• inadequacy
• insufficiency
• disqualification
• inefficiency
• ineffectiveness
• inaptitude
• inefficacy
• ineffectuality
• ineffectualness
• inefficaciousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• competence
• ability
• competency
• capacity
• capability
• adequacy
• potency
• talent
• efficiency
• gift
• aptitude
• genius
• flair
• effectiveness
• knack
• endowment
• bent
• power
• suitability
• strength
• fitness
• potency
• efficaciousness
• effectualness
• suitableness
• puissance
• sinew

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incompetence

That is inaccurate, not what the investigation covers, and viral posts on X are misleading people either through incompetence or purposefully misleading information. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Every dollar lost to fraud or administrative incompetence is a dollar unavailable for legitimate patients, families and vulnerable Americans. — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

No matter what people think about the party out of power, the level of waste, fraud, corruption and incompetence that permeates our state government should make voters consider something new in November. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Yet, charisma is context-dependent and can conceal incompetence, especially when true ability is unclear. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026