# inept

/ˌɪˈnɛpt/ (US) · /ɪnˈɛpt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inept
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

having or showing no skill. You use this to describe someone who is very bad at a task or job.

For teachers: lacking skill or competence in a particular task or role. Often used to describe social or professional failure resulting from a lack of ability.

## Examples

- He is an inept cook who always burns the toast.
- The public lost confidence in the government after its inept handling of the economic crisis.
- While his technical knowledge was impressive, his inept management style eventually alienated the entire department and led to a significant drop in productivity.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem', or attributively before a noun.

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