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definitions

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 /
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SEE MORE 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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RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

  1. incomparability,
  2. incomparable,
  3. incomparably,
  4. incompatibility,
  5. incompatible,
  6. incompetency,
  7. incompetent,
  8. incomplete,
  9. incomplete abortion,
  10. incomplete antibody

Origin of incompetence

1655–65; variant (with -ence for -ency) of earlier incompetency. See incompetent, -cy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for incompetency

Word Origin and History for incompetency
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine 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.