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Showing results for inept. Search instead for inela.
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.

Mr. Gosling’s Grace, unlike Matt Damon’s character, is attractively humble, often confused, and at times inept.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

But the inept followers aside — and many of them are falling to the side — there are those who see the handwriting on the wall.

From Salon • Feb. 27, 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

A party insider described talk of a leadership challenge before May to me as "politically inept".

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

Still tut-tutting about dangerous sports and inept teachers, Madam Pomfrey retreated, leaving Ron and Hermione to help Harry gulp down some water.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling