noun
Uncommon
incompetence
Incompetence (noun) means a lack of the skill or ability needed to do something properly. Example: “The project failed due to sheer managerial incompetence.”
noun
1
A lack of the skill or ability needed to do something properly.
"The project failed due to sheer managerial incompetence."
How to use incompetence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing bad at a job or task — not having the necessary skill.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sheer incompetence
accusations of incompetence
gross incompetence
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Word forms
- Plural
- incompetences
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The project failed due to sheer managerial _____.
Etymology
From French incompétence, from in- ("not") + competence.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for incompetence
See all rhymes for incompetence →Frequently asked questions
What does “incompetence” mean?
The word “incompetence” means a lack of the skill or ability needed to do something properly. In plain terms, being bad at a job or task — not having the necessary skill.
How do you use “incompetence” in a sentence?
Here is “incompetence” used in a sentence: “The project failed due to sheer managerial incompetence.”
What part of speech is “incompetence”?
“Incompetence” is a noun.
Where does the word “incompetence” come from?
The word “incompetence” comes from French. From French incompétence, from in- ("not") + competence.
Is “incompetence” a common word?
“Incompetence” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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