incompetency

noun

(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)-sē How to pronounce incompetency (audio)
Definition of incompetencynext
as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means the incompetency of the secretary was revealed only after she had left the company, and her successor discovered years of filing left undone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of incompetency The reproduction of systemic racism occurs not simply through white denial but also through the promotion of cultural incompetency. — Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026 Maybe that data suggests incompetency in the sporting director role. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The National Geographic series dives into footage and narratives from officials leading the disaster response at the time, revealing incompetencies and false information from the media that cost locals their lives. — Sam Gillette, People.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Portalatin’s petition seeks to remove Wilder and Saenz using a statute in the Texas Local Government Code that allows for citizens to seek public officials’ removal due to incompetency, official misconduct or drunkenness both on and off duty. — Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incompetency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetency
  1. inability
  2. incompetence
Noun
  • The Bengals beat the Dolphins 31-24 in large part due to the offense’s inability to get the passing attack going.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Stroud picked apart the Titans, and only the Texans' inability to convert twice inside the Tennessee 20 in the first half kept the final score from being worse.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of inability
Noun
  • 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
Definition of incompetence

Browse Nearby Words

incompetence
incompetency
incompetent
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Cite this Entry

“Incompetency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetency. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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