incompetence

noun

in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
: the state or fact of being incompetent

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
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.
Sometimes, what looks like incompetence is simply a different approach to decision-making or problem-solving. Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Moreover, the notion that regional governments are more efficient than cities or counties is belied by recent examples of epic incompetence. Jon Coupal, Orange County Register, 8 Jan. 2025 The other pleaded mental incompetence, leading to his case being dismissed. Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 Musk and Ramaswamy risk taking us back to the system of patronage, corruption and incompetence that defined government through the 1800s and that past reformers eliminated. Thomas J. Greitens, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for incompetence 

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incompetence was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near incompetence

Cite this Entry

“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetence. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

incompetence

noun
in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
: the quality, state, or fact of being incompetent

Medical Definition

incompetence

noun
in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
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 How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
: the state or fact of being incompetent compare competency

More from Merriam-Webster on incompetence

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