Synonyms
Examples of incompetence in a Sentence
Because of his incompetence, we won't make our deadline.
She was fired for gross incompetence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Quelle surprise: a squad built with piecemeal incompetence (and for other coaches) is struggling to get to grips with Amorim’s system.
—Phil Hay, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
Still a face of incompetence, to be sure, but ahead of his time nonetheless.
—Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 19 Dec. 2024
The researchers studied the reactions of 74 dogs, which were of different ages and breeds, to different levels of competence or incompetence.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
The chancellor and his conservative challenger, Friedrich Merz, who surveys suggest is likely to replace him, charged each other with incompetence and lack of vision.
—Fox News, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incompetence
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Word History
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to incompetence
Dictionary Entries Near incompetence
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetence. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
incompetence
noun
in·com·pe·tence
(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s
: the quality, state, or fact of being incompetent
Medical Definition
incompetence
noun
in·com·pe·tence
(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s
1
: lack of legal qualification
2
: inability of an organ or part to perform its function adequately
incompetence of an aortic valve
Legal Definition
incompetence
noun
in·com·pe·tence
in-ˈkäm-pə-təns
: the state or fact of being incompetent compare competency
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