incompetence

[ in-kom-pi-tuhns ]

/ ɪnˈkɒm pɪ təns /

Save This Word!

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also in·com·pe·ten·cy

[in-kom-pi-tuhn-see] /ɪnˈkɒm pɪ tən si/ .

Origin of incompetence

First 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

How to use incompetence in a sentence

For several months he remained under a political cloud, charged with incompetency to quell the Philippine Rebellion.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Thus, to import insanity or incompetency to a professional man, or that a public official is dishonest and corrupt is actionable.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
For thirty years it had been Mr. Breitmann's misfortune to fight incompetency in some shape or other.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume II (of 3)|Charles James Wills
To Devore's credit also I will say that he didn't run to the chief, bearing complaints of the major's hopeless incompetency.
The Escape of Mr. Trimm|Irvin S. Cobb

It seems as if he might have discovered the alleged incompetency long ago.
The Lieutenant-Governor|Guy Wetmore Carryl

incompetence

Origin of incompetence

Words related to incompetence

How to use incompetence in a sentence