Synonyms for

Incompetence

Verb / ˌɪˈnkɑ:mpʌtʌns / Another word for incompetence — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The inability to do something successfully; lack of skill or ability.

Synonyms & similar words

incompetency competence ineptitude incapacity inability inexperience inaptitude awkwardness clumsiness inefficacy inefficiency inadequacy incompetency weakness inexpertness unfitness maladroitness unsuitability inadequateness inutility impotence uselessness

Synonyms by register

Formal

ineptitude inadequacy incapacity unskillfulness

Informal

clumsiness bumbling amateurishness lack of skill

Literary

maladroit unhandiness

Antonyms

competence ability skill proficiency expertise aptitude capability

Common collocations

  • gross incompetence
  • utter incompetence
  • demonstrated incompetence
  • incompetence of staff
  • professional incompetence
  • blatant incompetence
  • incompetence in management

Word family

noun incompetence
verb incompetentize
adjective incompetent
adverb incompetently

Usage note

Incompetence refers to a lack of ability or skill to do something successfully. It is often used in professional or official contexts to describe a failure to meet required standards.

Example sentences

  1. His incompetence as a teacher was evident in the poor test scores of his students.
  2. She was fired due to her incompetence at the job.
  3. The company suffered huge losses due to the incompetence of its management.
  4. His incompetence in cooking led to the burnt food.
  5. The team lost the game due to the incompetence of the goalkeeper.

Quotes

  • Incompetence is a double-edged banana.
  • Incompetence is a disease; it spreads from the top down.
  • Incompetence knows no barriers of time or place.

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