Synonyms of incompetence

incompetence

noun

(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s 

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means

the astounding incompetence of the new assistant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inability
• incompetency
• ineptitude
• incapacity
• impotence
• powerlessness
• incapability
• inadequacy
• insufficiency
• disqualification
• inefficiency
• ineffectiveness
• inaptitude
• inefficacy
• ineffectuality
• ineffectualness
• inefficaciousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• competence
• ability
• competency
• capacity
• capability
• adequacy
• potency
• talent
• efficiency
• gift
• aptitude
• genius
• flair
• effectiveness
• knack
• endowment
• bent
• power
• suitability
• strength
• fitness
• potency
• efficaciousness
• effectualness
• suitableness
• puissance
• sinew

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incompetence

Trump then equated employment practices benefitting minority groups with promoting incompetence, and indicated the fate of American Flight 5342 may have been the result of diversity, equity and inclusion hiring (DEI). —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2025

After all, filing delays reflect governance frailty that can be overcome by aligning incentives, ending indifference and defanging incompetence. —Noah Barsky, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Jimmy Garoppolo profited from exposure to 49ers’ system The Commanders, thankfully shorn of the oppressive incompetence of former owner Daniel Snyder, were remade in a year by G.M. Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025

There are potential mitigating factors: infighting or incompetence within Christian nationalist and MAGA circles, the role of the courts, resistance within government agencies and at the local and state levels. —John Blake, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025