# incompetence

/ˌɪnˈkɑmpətəns/ (US) · /ɪnkˈɒmpɪtəns/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incompetence
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The manager was fired for total incompetence.
- The project failed not because of a lack of funding, but because of the sheer incompetence of the leadership team.
- 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.

## Usage notes

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

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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.