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Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

Examples 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 inept Steve Coogan débuted his inept broadcaster, Alan Partridge, in 1991, and the character is still going strong. Anna Russell, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2024 Corrupt and inept governments in Guatemala and Honduras failed to halt an epidemic of gang violence and extortion. Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2024 The inept attempt received limited support from the military, which isn’t surprising given the traumatic memories many South Koreans have of previous coups followed by periods of military rule in the country. Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 Wish was a bafflingly inept mash-up of Disney properties that came and went with stunning speed. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inept 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inept
Adjective
  • And the protections shouldn't be such that someone who's incompetent is allowed to stay in a job.
    Mo Rocca, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The agency found Cardwell was grossly incompetent, but investigators declined to pursue criminal charges.
    Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In stark contrast, Lauren Sanchez's choice of a white suit with a visible lace corset was inappropriate for the occasion, earning a notably low score in dress and presence.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Bad reviews, inappropriate comments and shabby online engagements have the opposite effect and can potentially leave a permanent mark against the company name.
    Dmitry Malin, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In a moment when Liston was hurling a clumsy punch and his balance was susceptible, Ali threw what looked like a swiping right graze at his opponent’s head.
    Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Even observers who think the outlook for China’s economy is less dire agree that its growth is slowing and will be constrained by structural challenges and a clumsy policymaking process.
    Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There are no more stupid questions and an open, supportive, and curious culture evolves.
    Darpan Munjal, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The cliché that Americans are stupid and lazy is as pernicious as the cliché that teenagers are, well, stupid and lazy.
    John Hodgman, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There are another 10 or so, such as Lil Joe, who are unfit for release after difficult histories.
    Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Lee Monroe Straight-leg Jeans $43 $28 at Amazon Denim is notoriously unfit for traveling in, but reviewers say these Lee jeans are an exception.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The following year, regulators ruled that the company is unsuitable to operate its casinos in Sydney and Queensland, placing them under government supervision.
    Yessar Rosendar, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • That's because Blue Origin aims to recover the first stage of the New Glenn rocket, and sea states in the Atlantic Ocean have been unsuitable for an initial attempt to catch the first stage booster on a drone ship.
    Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Listen to Marsden recall the awkward encounter in the clip above.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • In his defense, the Anti-Defamation League tweeted from X that Musk’s gesture seemed to be an awkward expression of enthusiasm.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In other words, the labor market and the economy remain strong and solid on their own, but could be undone by foolish economic policies that our politicians might implement.
    Harry Holzer, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The grade partly reflects the inevitable hot streak that would make a lower grade look foolish.
    Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near inept

Cite this Entry

“Inept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inept. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inept

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