Synonyms of ineptitude

ineptitude

noun

(ˌ)i-ˈnep-tə-ˌtüd 

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means

the nurse's ineptitude made it clear that she would be happier in a different line of work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ineptitude

The Dolphins’ ineptitude has accelerated since 2009, when Ross took ownership of the organization. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026

But that should have been at Dicker’s feet, not the officials’ ineptitude. —Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026

Microfinance was hailed as a panacea, a low-cost solution to ineptitude, corruption, and limited state capacity that could both help the poor and benefit socially conscious investors. —Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

The New England Patriots have been enjoying something of a dream season after several years of mostly ineptitude following Tom Brady's departure in 2020. —Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025