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
The chaos and incompetence of the tariff rollout has led to collapsing sentiment.
—
Kevin Coldiron, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
That’s enough money to rebuild every crumbling bridge and school in the country — all squandered due to government incompetence.
—Richard Stern and Katherine Miller/ The Heritage Foundation, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Kevin Coldiron, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
That’s enough money to rebuild every crumbling bridge and school in the country — all squandered due to government incompetence.
—Richard Stern and Katherine Miller/ The Heritage Foundation, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetence
inability
Noun
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Fever head coach Stephanie White was upset with how the referees officiated the game and about the inability to take control.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
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Predicate orders are based on the abandonment, abuse or neglect of that child by one or both parents, and the inability to reunify with one or both parents, based on those findings.—
Taylor Romine,
CNN Money,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetence. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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