incompetence

Also in·com·pe·ten·cy

[in-kom-pi-tuhns]

noun

1. the quality or condition of being incompetent; lack of ability.

2. Law.,  the condition of lacking power to act with legal effectiveness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of incompetence¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from French incompétence (equivalent to in- negative prefix + compétence); variant of earlier incompetency; incompetent; -cy, -ence, -ency

Related Words

• inability 
• ineptitude 
• inexperience