incompetence
[ in-kom-pi-tuhns ]
/ ɪnˈkɒm pɪ təns /
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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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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
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023