as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the nurse's ineptitude made it clear that she would be happier in a different line of work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 ineptitude
Microfinance was hailed as a panacea, a low-cost solution to ineptitude, corruption, and limited state capacity that could both help the poor and benefit socially conscious investors.
—
Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The New England Patriots have been enjoying something of a dream season after several years of mostly ineptitude following Tom Brady's departure in 2020.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
Someone usually pays in the NFL for this kind of ineptitude.
—CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
Long has another double-digit tackling game and the Rams defense plays decently in the first half, but the ineptitude of the CSU offense remains an Achilles’ heel.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineptitude
Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
The New England Patriots have been enjoying something of a dream season after several years of mostly ineptitude following Tom Brady's departure in 2020.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
Someone usually pays in the NFL for this kind of ineptitude.
—CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
Long has another double-digit tackling game and the Rams defense plays decently in the first half, but the ineptitude of the CSU offense remains an Achilles’ heel.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ineptitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ineptitude
inability
Noun
-
For me, her inability to have an orgasm has very little to do with her relationship with John.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Emissions from the turbines led to community uproar, with residents complaining of a stench, health problems and an inability to keep their windows open at home.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ineptitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ineptitude. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
