incompetence
[ in-kom-pi-tuhns ]
noun
the quality or condition of being incompetent; lack of ability.
Law. the condition of lacking power to act with legal effectiveness.
Origin of incompetence
1First recorded in 1655–65; from French incompétence (equivalent to in- negative prefix + compétence); variant of earlier incompetency;see origin at incompetent;see also -cy, -ence, -ency
- Also in·com·pe·ten·cy [in-kom-pi-tuhn-see] /ɪnˈkɒm pɪ tən si/ .
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use incompetence in a sentence
Then with rapid words he heaps upon the unfortunate man accusations of personal incompetencies.
The Life of Cicero | Anthony TrollopeMoreover, certain incompetencies had revealed themselves in the French high command.
He gazed—not without a vague shame—into a perspective of incompetencies.
From One Generation to Another | Henry Seton MerrimanBy all these methods it stimulates his mind, hardens his nature, and supplies his incompetencies.
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