ENGLISH
REFERENCE

incompetence

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnˈkɑmpətəns// UK //ɪnkˈɒmpɪtəns// in·com·pe·tence

n. a lack of the skills or knowledge needed to do a job well. You use this to describe when someone fails because they are not good at what they do.

n. the inability to perform a task or job to a required standard due to a lack of skill, knowledge, or ability. Frequently used in professional or administrative contexts to describe systemic or individual failure.


SIMPLE

The manager was fired for total incompetence.

CONTEXTUAL

The project failed not because of a lack of funding, but because of the sheer incompetence of the leadership team.

COMPLEX

While minor errors are expected in any large organization, the systemic incompetence displayed during the crisis suggested a fundamental breakdown in the company's training protocols.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From French incompétence, equivalent to in- + competence.

Usage

Often paired with the preposition 'of' or 'in' ('incompetence in his duties').

Idioms1 entry

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