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
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
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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 21 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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