as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the astounding incompetence of the new assistant
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Recent Examples of incompetence
Secondly, and speaking of incompetence, Antoni is wholly unqualified.
—
S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
By preemptively pledging annual raises, Lamont has not only surrendered leverage but also transformed negotiations into a political giveaway, raising questions of incompetence — or worse.
—Frank Ricci, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025
California’s particular debt predicament stems from $32 billion in fraudulent UI claims due to the incompetence of Julie Su, Newsom’s secretary the Labor and Workforce Development Agency from 2019-21.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
If making the boss look bad by virtue of sheer incompetence isn't a fireable offense in Trumpworld anymore, what is?
—Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
By preemptively pledging annual raises, Lamont has not only surrendered leverage but also transformed negotiations into a political giveaway, raising questions of incompetence — or worse.
—Frank Ricci, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2025
California’s particular debt predicament stems from $32 billion in fraudulent UI claims due to the incompetence of Julie Su, Newsom’s secretary the Labor and Workforce Development Agency from 2019-21.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025
If making the boss look bad by virtue of sheer incompetence isn't a fireable offense in Trumpworld anymore, what is?
—Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetence
inability
Noun
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Advertisement In Chile, another leftist, President Gabriel Boric, has endured broad criticism over his government’s inability to address the country’s rising murder rate.—
Christopher Sabatini,
Time,
30 Aug. 2025
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The Central Bank's inability to accumulate reserves is beginning to trouble the IMF, and the labor market remains fragile.—
Agustino Fontevecchia,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetence. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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