incompetence
or in·com·pe·ten·cy
[in-kom-pi-tuh ns or in-kom-pi-tuh n-see]
- the quality or condition of being incompetent; lack of ability.
- Law. the condition of lacking power to act with legal effectiveness.
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Origin of incompetence
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
lackincapacityshortcominginefficacyinadequacyweaknessinefficiencydisqualificationpowerlessnessineptitudeincompetencefailureinsufficiencynecessityfrailtyineffectivenessimpotenceincapabilityinaptitudeineptnessExamples from the Web for incompetencies
Historical Examples
He gazed—not without a vague shame—into a perspective of incompetencies.
From One Generation to AnotherHenry Seton Merriman
By all these methods it stimulates his mind, hardens his nature, and supplies his incompetencies.
Word Origin and History for incompetencies
incompetence
n.
1660s, "inadequacy;" 1716, "want of skill," from French incompétence (mid-16c.), from in- "not, opposite of, without" (see in- (1)) + compétence (see competence). Native formation incompetency (from incompetent + -cy) is attested from 1610s.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
incompetence
(ĭn-kŏm′pĭ-təns)- The quality of being incompetent or incapable of performing a function, as the failure of the cardiac valves to close properly.
- The condition of being not legally qualified, as to stand trial.
- The inability to distinguish right from wrong or to manage one's affairs.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.