Incompetence
/ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəns/
Definitions
The state of not having the necessary ability, skill, or knowledge to do something successfully; the failure to do something well.
/ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəns/
Lack of ability or skill to do something successfully.
The doctor's incompetence was a major concern for the patients.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to bake a cake, but you mess up every step, the cake is a disaster, and no one can eat it. Incompetence is like that – not being able to do something right.
👶 For kids: When you can't do something very well, like if you can't tie your shoes or build a tower of blocks.
More Examples
The incompetence of the team resulted in the project's failure.
The report highlighted the company's incompetence in managing its finances.
How It's Used
"The company's incompetence led to its financial downfall."
"Citizens criticized the government's incompetence in handling the crisis."
"The teacher's incompetence was evident in the students' poor performance."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to plead incompetence
To claim that one lacks the ability or authority to do something.
"The lawyer pleaded incompetence, arguing he wasn't qualified to handle the case."
From Late Latin *incompetentia*, from *in-* (not) + *competens* (competent). Competent derived from Latin *competere* (to be fit, to be suitable).
The word 'incompetence' gained prominence in the 17th-18th centuries, coinciding with the rise of formal governance and legal systems, where the failure to perform duties adequately led to societal scrutiny.
Memory tip
Imagine a competition where you're clearly *in*- (not) the *competent* group – you're experiencing incompetence!
Word Origin
"not suitable or capable."