Synonyms of incompetency

incompetency

noun

(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)-sē 

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means

the incompetency of the secretary was revealed only after she had left the company, and her successor discovered years of filing left undone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incompetency

The District Attorney’s Office said a finding of incompetency does not dismiss the case or result in a defendant’s release, and that proceedings will resume if Mock is later deemed competent. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Maybe that data suggests incompetency in the sporting director role. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

The National Geographic series dives into footage and narratives from officials leading the disaster response at the time, revealing incompetencies and false information from the media that cost locals their lives. — Sam Gillette, People.com, 30 Aug. 2025

Portalatin’s petition seeks to remove Wilder and Saenz using a statute in the Texas Local Government Code that allows for citizens to seek public officials’ removal due to incompetency, official misconduct or drunkenness both on and off duty. — Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2025