Incompetence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s/ in·com·pe·tence

Meaning & Definition of Incompetence

Incompetence (noun)

  1. the state or fact of being incompetent

Incompetence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means

    "the astounding incompetence of the new assistant"

    similar: impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetency, ineptitude, insufficiency, powerlessness
    related: disqualification, inaptitude, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, inefficiency
    opposite: ability, adequacy, capability, capacity, competence, competency, potency
    near: aptitude, bent, endowment, flair, genius, gift, knack, talent, effectiveness, effectualness, efficaciousness, efficiency, fitness, suitability, suitableness, potency, power, puissance, sinew, strength

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Incompetence

The most common words with a similar meaning to Incompetence:

impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetency, ineptitude, insufficiency, powerlessness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Incompetence

Words with the opposite meaning of Incompetence:

ability, adequacy, capability, capacity, competence, competency, potency

Related Words for Incompetence

disqualification, inaptitude, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficaciousness, inefficacy, inefficiency

Near Antonyms of Incompetence

aptitude, bent, endowment, flair, genius, gift, knack, talent, effectiveness, effectualness, efficaciousness, efficiency, fitness, suitability, suitableness, power, puissance, sinew, strength

Origin & Etymology of Incompetence

First known use: 1663

Frequently Asked Questions about Incompetence

What does "Incompetence" mean?

"Incompetence" means the state or fact of being incompetent. As a noun, it is defined as: the state or fact of being incompetent.

What is another word for "Incompetence"?

Other words for "Incompetence" include impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetency, ineptitude and insufficiency. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Incompetence" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Incompetence"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Incompetence". Common alternatives include impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incapacity, incompetency, ineptitude, insufficiency and powerlessness.

What is the opposite of "Incompetence"?

Antonyms of "Incompetence" include ability, adequacy, capability, capacity, competence, competency and potency. Near antonyms include aptitude, bent, endowment and flair.

How do you use "Incompetence" in a sentence?

Examples of "Incompetence" in a sentence: "the astounding incompetence of the new assistant".

Is "Incompetence" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Incompetence" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Incompetence"?

"Incompetence" is pronounced /(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as in·com·pe·tence.

What is the origin of the word "Incompetence"?

First known use: 1663.