incompetence

[ in-kom-pi-tuhns ]

noun

1. the quality or condition of being incompetent; lack of ability.
2. Law. the condition of lacking power to act with legal effectiveness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of incompetence¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from French incompétence (equivalent to in- negative prefix + compétence); variant of earlier incompetency; incompetent; -cy, -ence, -ency

Example Sentences

We do not know what 2025 will bring and forecasts of doom could well be punctured by the mere dismal reality of gross incompetence; the future may just be dumb.

From Salon

Kenya’s most senior judge has hit out following recent allegations of corruption and incompetence within the judiciary.

From BBC

Chief executive Daniel Bruce said: “That we find multiple red flags in more than £15bn of contacts, amounting to a third of all such spending, points to more than coincidence or incompetence.”

From BBC

Huge segments of American voters, some concerned about immigration and the rising cost of living, preferred Trump, with all his glaring flaws and demonstrated incompetence, to a more qualified woman of color.

From Los Angeles Times

The best Democrats can hope for over the next four years is chronic dysfunction and administrative incompetence.

From Slate

Related Words

• inability
• ineptitude
• inexperience