ineptitude

noun

in·​ep·​ti·​tude (ˌ)i-ˈnep-tə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

: the quality or state of being inept

especially : incompetence

Synonyms

• inability

Examples of ineptitude in a Sentence

The team's poor play is being blamed on the ineptitude of the coaching staff.

the nurse's ineptitude made it clear that she would be happier in a different line of work

Recent Examples on the Web

But while the new movie dawdles on its way to Toxie’s origins, then rushes toward a finale with a lurching rhythm that verges on calculated ineptitude, its spirit never feels inauthentic. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025

There was optimism that after decades of ineptitude, the Browns had finally landed a legitimate franchise QB. —Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025

Long-range ineptitude, fastbreak success The Valkyries shot 3 of 15 from the 3-point line in the first half, forcing up shots due to their inability to break down the compact Suns defense. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2025

Since then, Paine has mostly been treated as a lesser founder, his skill with language more than offset by his erratic nature and political ineptitude. —Matthew Redmond august 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin ineptitudo, from ineptus

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ineptitude

• beatitude
• decrepitude
• disquietude
• exactitude
• infinitude
• ingratitude
• midlatitude
• similitude
• solicitude
• accrued
• allude
• collude