# weaponized incompetence

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/weaponized-incompetence
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A behavioral tactic where a person intentionally pretends to be incapable or performs tasks poorly in order to avoid responsibility and shift the workload to others.

## Examples

- He uses weaponized incompetence to avoid doing the dishes.
- She realized her partner was using weaponized incompetence when he claimed he could not figure out how to operate the washing machine.
- By feigning total confusion during every collaborative project, the colleague practiced a subtle form of weaponized incompetence that effectively offloaded his responsibilities onto the rest of the team.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.