INEPT Synonyms: 334 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'inept' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of inept are awkward , clumsy , gauche , and maladroit . While all these words mean "not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct)," inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy. // a hopelessly inept defense attorney

Q: When is it sensible to use 'awkward' instead of 'inept'?

The words awkward and inept can be used in similar contexts, but awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact. // periods of awkward silence

Q: In what contexts can 'clumsy' take the place of 'inept'?

The meanings of clumsy and inept largely overlap; however, clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill. // a clumsy mechanic

Q: When might 'gauche' be a better fit than 'inept'?

The synonyms gauche and inept are sometimes interchangeable, but gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding. // felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties

Q: When could 'maladroit' be used to replace 'inept'?

In some situations, the words maladroit and inept are roughly equivalent. However, maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations. // a maladroit politician

inept

adjective

i-ˈnept

Definition of inept next

as in incompetent

lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job a well-meaning but inept assistant who can't seem to keep appointments straight

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inappropriate

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation an inept comparison between nursing-home residents and day-care children that many found offensive

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in clumsy

showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation) an inept effort to become friends with their future son-in-law

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as in stupid

showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment she offers one inept suggestion after another for saving the parish church

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective inept contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of inept are awkward, clumsy, gauche, and maladroit. While all these words mean "not marked by ease (as of performance, movement, or social conduct)," inept often implies complete failure or inadequacy.

a hopelessly inept defense attorney

When is it sensible to use awkward instead of inept?

The words awkward and inept can be used in similar contexts, but awkward is widely applicable and may suggest unhandiness, inconvenience, lack of muscular control, embarrassment, or lack of tact.

periods of awkward silence

In what contexts can clumsy take the place of inept?

The meanings of clumsy and inept largely overlap; however, clumsy implies stiffness and heaviness and so may connote inflexibility, unwieldiness, or lack of ordinary skill.

a clumsy mechanic

When might gauche be a better fit than inept?

The synonyms gauche and inept are sometimes interchangeable, but gauche implies the effects of shyness, inexperience, or ill breeding.

felt gauche and unsophisticated at formal parties

When could maladroit be used to replace inept?

In some situations, the words maladroit and inept are roughly equivalent. However, maladroit suggests a tendency to create awkward situations.

a maladroit politician

Examples of inept in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That hate is now so ingrained in their thinking, Democrats will even accept a candidate as obviously inept as Harris. —

Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 8 Aug. 2024 He is recruited by the FBI (represented by a smug bureaucrat and an inept field agent) to infiltrate and bring down the Brotherhood, a violent white-supremacist biker gang. —

Helaine Williams, arkansasonline.com, 10 Aug. 2024 She and Glover star as John and Jane, the titular spy duo adept in combat but inept at staying married. —

Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Aug. 2024 His family has no patience for his constant stream of historical fun facts, but the team of inept, time-traveling thieves (Lisa Kudrow, Charlyne Yi, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Tadhg Murphy, and Rune Temte) who crash through his bedroom wardrobe find Kevin’s encyclopedic knowledge very useful. —

Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inept

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inept.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.