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.

---

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

“In a time of unimaginable hubris, gross incompetence and failures of leadership across the Agency, this has to be one of the most delusional emails I have seen to date,” Pearson wrote.

From Salon

There has to be transparency and a remedy to prevent retaliation, abuse and incompetence.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Omission, negligence or incompetence, it's the same," she said.

From Barron's

Here was the mirror image of the same incompetence Meredith Whitney was making her name pointing out.

From Literature

Under the California Probate Code, the most common reasons include breach of trust, insolvency, unfitness and incompetence, hostility or deadlock, excessive and/or disqualification where the trustee becomes legally barred from serving.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• inability
• ineptitude
• inexperience