as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the astounding incompetence of the new assistant
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Recent Examples of incompetence
But some women who have complained were met by incompetence, according to the Sunday letter to the court from Henderson and attorney Brad Edwards.
—
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
Their faltering attempt at a total crackdown—which can’t muzzle the anger and bravery of ordinary people—and its general odor of malicious incompetence, is even seeping into the White House’s hermetic media echo chamber.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
After a 10-year investigation and five malpractice claims, the Iowa Board of Medicine has issued a warning to a Des Moines surgeon accused of incompetence and unprofessional and unethical conduct.
—Clark Kauffman, Des Moines Register, 28 Jan. 2026
Like their ability to attract mainstream media coverage, these artists would use their star power to draw global attention to Rosselló’s incompetence and corruption.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
Their faltering attempt at a total crackdown—which can’t muzzle the anger and bravery of ordinary people—and its general odor of malicious incompetence, is even seeping into the White House’s hermetic media echo chamber.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
After a 10-year investigation and five malpractice claims, the Iowa Board of Medicine has issued a warning to a Des Moines surgeon accused of incompetence and unprofessional and unethical conduct.
—Clark Kauffman, Des Moines Register, 28 Jan. 2026
Like their ability to attract mainstream media coverage, these artists would use their star power to draw global attention to Rosselló’s incompetence and corruption.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetence
inability
Noun
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Although the Bobcats scored more points in the paint, their inability to stop the Eagles' forward on the interior led to excessive fouling.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
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Tua’s inability to perform against the league’s top teams is a major drawback.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetence. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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