incompetence

American  

[in-kom-pi-tuhns] / ɪnˈkɒm pɪ təns /

Also incompetency

noun

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of incompetence

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

Example Sentences

The mistakes you make at 20 are interpreted as experimentation rather than incompetence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Feigning total incompetence, which wasn’t hard, he hit out wildly, tempting Hord with a glimpse of his unprotected chest.

From Literature

When I mention this feat of incompetence to the technologist inside the examining room, she tells me I could’ve just taken off my shirt.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike James Bond, however, Deighton's secret agents were ordinary working-class people, often frustrated by the incompetence of their own side.

From BBC

Using untrained proxies, as a former European diplomat to Russia puts it, adds "a layer of unpredictability - and incompetence".

From BBC

Related Words

• inability
• ineptitude
• inexperience