Synonyms
Examples of incompetence in a Sentence
Because of his incompetence, we won't make our deadline.
She was fired for gross incompetence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Society often teaches us that failure is something to be avoided at all costs, a mark of inadequacy or incompetence.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Trump made anti-science incompetence and disregard for the welfare of Americans part of our history.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024
If there’s justice in this world, Fisher will pay the price for his mismanagement and incompetence in the years to come.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2024
Conscious Incompetence: Recognizing the Gaps In the second stage, conscious incompetence, an aspiring Gen Z leader realizes that effective leadership is more complex than anticipated and recognizes gaps that need attention.
—Nate Bennett, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incompetence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incompetence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to incompetence
Dictionary Entries Near incompetence
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetence. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
incompetence
noun
in·com·pe·tence
(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s
: the quality, state, or fact of being incompetent
Medical Definition
incompetence
noun
in·com·pe·tence
(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s
1
: lack of legal qualification
2
: inability of an organ or part to perform its function adequately
incompetence of an aortic valve
Legal Definition
incompetence
noun
in·com·pe·tence
in-ˈkäm-pə-təns
: the state or fact of being incompetent compare competency
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