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.
Both teams are eliminated from the tournament for incompetence. — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 30 June 2026 In it, the author described a culture of confusion, stress, and incompetence, as contractors competed for work to be completed under near-impossible deadlines. — Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The most serious charges — which included incompetence, negligence and failure of duty — were dismissed. — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 There is where their incompetence comes in. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 16 June 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 14 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on incompetence

Nglish: Translation of incompetence for Spanish Speakers

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