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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

incompetences plural

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Fill the gap

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The project failed due to sheer managerial _____.

Etymology

From French incompétence, from in- ("not") + competence.

Origin: French

Related words

Rhymes for incompetence

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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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