as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the astounding incompetence of the new assistant
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incompetence
Trump’s complaints included accusations of impropriety and incompetence in Powell’s leadership of the renovation.
—
David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Somehow, through the incompetence of studio executives, he was still handed a nightly television show.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
In 2023-24, seven franchises achieved that level of incompetence, which was the first time that happened since 2007-08.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 17 Apr. 2026
At least six other Department of Aviation workers were investigated for spending hours idling on the job, demonstrating incompetence, stealing city property, and lying during the investigation.
—Chris Tye, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Somehow, through the incompetence of studio executives, he was still handed a nightly television show.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
In 2023-24, seven franchises achieved that level of incompetence, which was the first time that happened since 2007-08.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 17 Apr. 2026
At least six other Department of Aviation workers were investigated for spending hours idling on the job, demonstrating incompetence, stealing city property, and lying during the investigation.
—Chris Tye, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetence
inability
Noun
-
The sources claimed staffing was insufficient and that staff members were poorly trained, and that an inability to handle the massive volume of patient and provider data jeopardized coverage for millions.—
Jason Kane,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
-
Faced with that reality, our inability to relate to one another becomes almost obscene.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetence. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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