as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the astounding incompetence of the new assistant
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Recent Examples of incompetence
The governor has the power to nominate commissioners and nominate the chair, but can only remove people from the commission for incompetence or misconduct.
—
Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2026
Especially Gina, who honestly was just minding her business, hanging out with her boyfriend’s daughter, and winds up getting accused of incompetence by her own boyfriend.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
Trump’s malice and incompetence alienates voters, who then publicly voice their discontent, encouraging other political actors and institutions to see him not as a crusading avatar of national destiny but as a weakened figure.
—Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
Pratt’s challenge will be to demonstrate to greater LA how Bass’ negligence and incompetence have not just hurt fire victims, but residents from the valley to the harbor, and all points in between, on any number of issues.
—John Phillips, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2026
Especially Gina, who honestly was just minding her business, hanging out with her boyfriend’s daughter, and winds up getting accused of incompetence by her own boyfriend.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026
Trump’s malice and incompetence alienates voters, who then publicly voice their discontent, encouraging other political actors and institutions to see him not as a crusading avatar of national destiny but as a weakened figure.
—Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
Pratt’s challenge will be to demonstrate to greater LA how Bass’ negligence and incompetence have not just hurt fire victims, but residents from the valley to the harbor, and all points in between, on any number of issues.
—John Phillips, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetence
inability
Noun
-
For me, her inability to have an orgasm has very little to do with her relationship with John.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Emissions from the turbines led to community uproar, with residents complaining of a stench, health problems and an inability to keep their windows open at home.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetence. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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