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Showing results for inept. Search instead for inebr.
Definitions

inept

[in-ept, ih-nept] / ɪnˈɛpt, ɪˈnɛpt /
ADJECTIVE
clumsy, unskilled; incompetent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
awkward bumbling incompetent inefficient
WEAK
all thumbs artless bungling butterfingers gauche halting inadept incapable inexpert loser maladroit unapt undexterous unfacile ungraceful unhandy unproficient unskillful wooden
Antonyms
STRONGEST
able capable competent dexterous efficient expert skillful
WEAK
acceptable adroit fit proper skilled suitable
ADJECTIVE
not suitable; improper
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absurd ridiculous
WEAK
ill-timed inappropriate inapt infelicitous malapropos meaningless not adapted out of place pointless undue unfit unseasonable unseemly unsuitable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
reasonable sensible
WEAK
able acceptable adroit competent dexterous fit proper skilled skillful suitable

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.

Comedian Daniel Tosh even parlayed a desire to gawk at the web’s inept and unaware into a vicious update of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” that aired on Comedy Central for years.

From Salon • Feb. 16, 2026

There’s a real argument here that an agency so inept in its recruitment will also be inept at training people and carrying out its mission.

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

Gunpowder started to change that, but early firearms were comically inept.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

"I don't know if I'm shy. I think I'm socially inept," she recently told Canadian DJ Tara Sloane.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

I'm thinking of words like unkempt, inept, disgruntled, and uncouth.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.