Synonyms of incompetence

incompetence

noun

(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s 

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means

the astounding incompetence of the new assistant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of incompetence

Executives bothered by incompetence or angry that others aren’t as capable in certain areas are often overlooking their own strengths. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

The history of medicine is too littered with incompetence and immorality to believe that doctors have always been worthy of this status. —Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2024

In a pre-dawn online news conference, an angry Sara Duterte accused Mr. Marcos of incompetence as a president and of being a liar, along with his wife and the House speaker in expletives-laden remarks. —Jim Gomez, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Nov. 2024

Not to mention that incompetence carries its own toll for America. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024