as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the astounding incompetence of the new assistant
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incompetence
Check the Peter Principle, which says people are promoted to their level of incompetence.
—
NPR, 11 Mar. 2026
When this happens, the brain can interpret the bad feelings that arise as evidence of incompetence or a character flaw.
—Nir Eyal, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
The author criticizes Kristi Noem’s leadership at the Department of Homeland Security as characterized by incompetence and attention-seeking that prioritized self-promotion over policy substance.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
In all probability, Noem’s fatal error was not infidelity, incompetence, or self-enrichment.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
NPR, 11 Mar. 2026
When this happens, the brain can interpret the bad feelings that arise as evidence of incompetence or a character flaw.
—Nir Eyal, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
The author criticizes Kristi Noem’s leadership at the Department of Homeland Security as characterized by incompetence and attention-seeking that prioritized self-promotion over policy substance.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
In all probability, Noem’s fatal error was not infidelity, incompetence, or self-enrichment.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incompetence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetence
inability
Noun
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Its launch of ChatGPT-5 in August was a disaster, as the new model had a flatter, more terse personality, as well as an alarming inability to answer basic questions.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
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Carter’s inability to stay healthy is one of the major reasons why this outfield became so problematic in each of the past two years.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incompetence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetence. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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