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
Early coverage of the war leaned on simplified frames, including Russian incompetence, imminent victory and decisive turning points.
—
Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
This ethic has been especially true in the renowned Sports section, which was killed in a Zoom announcement notable for its belly-wriggling cowardice and self-owning incompetence.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Dwala Marie Lehman had been charged with professional incompetence in the death of 77-year-old Lynne Stewart, who wandered out a door and wasn't found until 15 hours later in minus-11-degree cold.
—Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 5 Feb. 2026
Trump has repeatedly accused Powell of either incompetence or corruption over his handling of the pricey construction project.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
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Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
This ethic has been especially true in the renowned Sports section, which was killed in a Zoom announcement notable for its belly-wriggling cowardice and self-owning incompetence.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Dwala Marie Lehman had been charged with professional incompetence in the death of 77-year-old Lynne Stewart, who wandered out a door and wasn't found until 15 hours later in minus-11-degree cold.
—Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 5 Feb. 2026
Trump has repeatedly accused Powell of either incompetence or corruption over his handling of the pricey construction project.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompetence. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incompetence
noun
in·com·pe·tence
(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s 
: the quality, state, or fact of being incompetent
Medical Definition
incompetence
noun
in·com·pe·tence
(ˈ)in-ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s
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
: the state or fact of being incompetent compare competency
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