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ineptly

adverb

Definition of ineptlynext
as in poorly

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ineptly The collapse of the Constitution’s balance of powers between three branches of government got us into an unneeded war conducted ineptly. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026 Dancing the Poznan really ineptly, mind you, but dancing nonetheless. — Chris Willman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 Somehow this ineptly plotted affair lured Keke Palmer into its lair and her comedy chops all but gets handcuffed by an illogical, unfunny screenplay. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ineptly
  1. poorly
  2. incompetently
  3. inefficiently
Adverb
  • But his party's crushing defeat in both states is starting to reflect poorly on Merz.
    — Esme Nicholson, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Right tackle Austin Jackson, who has played poorly the first two weeks, permitted four pressures, per PFF.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of poorly
Adverb
  • As was mentioned in your editorial, the Broward school district has been incompetently managed, wasteful and corrupt for years.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The information the city provided to win passage of a ballot measure in 2022 allowing this fee was incompetently inaccurate.
    — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of incompetently
Adverb
  • Rather than heating massive reactors inefficiently from the outside or burning methane, the team placed a burner directly inside the reactor to combust a small portion of hydrogen.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • One problem that comes to mind with a fridge using two large access doors is the potential to bleed cold air and run inefficiently given the extra set of seams.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of inefficiently

Browse Nearby Words

ineptitude
ineptly
ineptness
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Cite this Entry

“Ineptly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ineptly. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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