ineptitude

noun

in·​ep·​ti·​tude (ˌ)i-ˈnep-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce ineptitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
: the quality or state of being inept
especially : incompetence

Examples of ineptitude in a Sentence

The team's poor play is being blamed on the ineptitude of the coaching staff. the nurse's ineptitude made it clear that she would be happier in a different line of work
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The danger is very real, to be sure, but Ray and Manny’s comical ineptitude keeps it from getting too grim. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 13 Mar. 2025 The Magic’s ineptitude puts them at a severe disadvantage on most nights. Josh Robbins, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 Biden’s ineptitude stranded the captain once; Trump’s coldheartedness is doing it again. George Packer, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025 As Recurring In Season 2 2025 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming Long will play Bruce, a tech millionaire who is a mix of unjustified confidence and social ineptitude. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ineptitude

Word History

Etymology

Latin ineptitudo, from ineptus

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ineptitude was in 1615

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ineptitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineptitude. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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