incompetence

noun

in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
Synonyms of incompetencenext
: the state or fact of being incompetent

Synonyms of incompetence

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ah, the quaint days of 2004, when millions of people would crowd into theaters to watch a documentary about geopolitical incompetence. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Treat mistakes as information rather than evidence of incompetence, and people might become more willing to try new things. — Vinesh Sukumaran, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Connecticut State Colleges and Universities has been revealed as a nest of incompetence in its powerful central office. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026 But overcoming four straight years of loyalty to stunning incompetence is proving difficult. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incompetence

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incompetence was in 1663

Rhymes for incompetence

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Browse Nearby Words

incompatible
incompetence
incompetency
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Cite this Entry

“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incompetence

noun
in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
: the quality, state, or fact of being incompetent

Medical Definition

incompetence

noun
in·​com·​pe·​tence (ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
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 How to pronounce incompetence (audio)
: the state or fact of being incompetent compare competency
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