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
Choking and general gross incompetence is never advised.
—
Chris Bumbaca, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
That was straight Nathaniel Hackett level incompetence.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
Legendary actress Vanessa Paradis turns in a remarkable performance as Anne, the director who takes it upon herself to investigate the murders after running up against police incompetence.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
He may be frustrated by the lack of basic defensive discipline and shape and Messi may shake his head at the incompetence behind him, but the choices made in roster construction just can’t always be compensated for by the boys from Barcelona.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Chris Bumbaca, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025
That was straight Nathaniel Hackett level incompetence.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025
Legendary actress Vanessa Paradis turns in a remarkable performance as Anne, the director who takes it upon herself to investigate the murders after running up against police incompetence.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
He may be frustrated by the lack of basic defensive discipline and shape and Messi may shake his head at the incompetence behind him, but the choices made in roster construction just can’t always be compensated for by the boys from Barcelona.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetence
inability
Noun
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That’s another example of this team’s inability to win on the margins.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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If there's been one issue for the Jets over the past few decades, it's been their inability to find a franchise quarterback.—
Jon Conahan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetence. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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