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
The dictator surrounds himself with loyalists whose sole purpose is to serve the dictator, while the citizens receive poor services, if at all, because of their incompetence.
—
Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2025
The Detroit Lions, birthed in 1929 and plagued by a century of incompetence, meeting the Los Angeles Chargers, 1960-made and the poster children for ineptitude.
—Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
As if this stunning display of incompetence was not enough, La Shell — the only non-Family player left on the hike — let David and Parvati finish the hike without a fight.
—Laura Bradley, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025
Detectives torpedoed their own investigations with long delays, lost evidence, incompetence and attempts to cover up mistakes, police memos show.
—Donna McGuire, Cummings,
and Glenn E. Rice, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2025
The Detroit Lions, birthed in 1929 and plagued by a century of incompetence, meeting the Los Angeles Chargers, 1960-made and the poster children for ineptitude.
—Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
As if this stunning display of incompetence was not enough, La Shell — the only non-Family player left on the hike — let David and Parvati finish the hike without a fight.
—Laura Bradley, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2025
Detectives torpedoed their own investigations with long delays, lost evidence, incompetence and attempts to cover up mistakes, police memos show.
—Donna McGuire, Cummings,
and Glenn E. Rice, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Articles Related to incompetence
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetence. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
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