incompetence

or in·com·pe·ten·cy

[ in-kom-pi-tuh ns or in-kom-pi-tuh n-see ]
/ ɪnˈkɒm pɪ təns or ɪnˈkɒm pɪ tən si /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR incompetence ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

1655–65; variant (with -ence for -ency) of earlier incompetency. See incompetent, -cy

Words nearby incompetence

incommunicative, incommutable, incompact, incomparable, incompatible, incompetence, incompetent, incomplete, incomplete abortion, incomplete antibody, incomplete antigen
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to incompetencies

lack, incapacity, shortcoming, inefficacy, inadequacy, weakness, inefficiency, disqualification, powerlessness, ineptitude, incompetence, failure, insufficiency, necessity, frailty, ineffectiveness, impotence, incapability, inaptitude, ineptness

Example sentences from the Web for incompetencies

Medical definitions for incompetencies

incompetence
[ ĭn-kŏm′pĭ-təns ]

n.

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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.