Thesaurus

inept

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

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Synonyms & Antonyms of inept

1 lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job

a well-meaning but inept secretary who can't seem to keep the boss's appointments straight

Synonyms for inept

Words Related to inept

useless,
worthless

wanting

Near Antonyms for inept

overqualified

Antonyms for inept

2 not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation

an inept comparison between nursing-home residents and day-care children that many found offensive

Synonyms for inept

Words Related to inept

Phrases Synonymous with inept

Near Antonyms for inept

Antonyms for inept

3 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

Synonyms for inept

Words Related to inept

Near Antonyms for inept

Antonyms for inept

4 showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment

she offers one inept suggestion after another for saving the parish church

Synonyms for inept

Words Related to inept

notional

Phrases Synonymous with inept

out to lunch

Near Antonyms for inept

well-advised

Antonyms for inept

Frequently Asked Questions About inept

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