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.

QUIZZES

CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH THESE WORDS FROM "LITTLE WOMEN"

"Little Women" may be a classic, but that doesn't mean we all know the meanings of the vocab words from the book. Can you define these words correctly and make Jo proud?
Question 1 of 10
earnest
full seriousness, as of intention or purpose.
a feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish.
urgent character; imperativeness; insistence; importunateness.
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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 incompetency

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 incompetency

Medical definitions for incompetency

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.