Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for incompetence.
Definitions

incompetence

[in-kom-pi-tuhns] / ɪnˈkɒm pɪ təns /
NOUN
lack of ability
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s plenty of furtive gags like this throughout “Up in Smoke”: police incompetence, absent parents, anti-war rhetoric and racial stereotypes that function as satire.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

The government said students had been let down by "incompetence or abuse of the system".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

This is obviously a demonstration of incompetence and it is their fault.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

The Justice Department’s struggle to appoint U.S. attorneys stemmed from a mix of obstinance and incompetence.

From Slate • Mar. 24, 2026

When not turning it in would be such a good reminder for my mom of her incompetence.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden




Vocabulary lists containing incompetence