incompetency

noun

(ˌ)in-ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)-sē How to pronounce incompetency (audio)
Definition of incompetencynext
as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means the incompetency of the secretary was revealed only after she had left the company, and her successor discovered years of filing left undone

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of incompetency The District Attorney’s Office said a finding of incompetency does not dismiss the case or result in a defendant’s release, and that proceedings will resume if Mock is later deemed competent. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 16 Jan. 2026 Maybe that data suggests incompetency in the sporting director role. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 The National Geographic series dives into footage and narratives from officials leading the disaster response at the time, revealing incompetencies and false information from the media that cost locals their lives. — Sam Gillette, People.com, 30 Aug. 2025 Portalatin’s petition seeks to remove Wilder and Saenz using a statute in the Texas Local Government Code that allows for citizens to seek public officials’ removal due to incompetency, official misconduct or drunkenness both on and off duty. — Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incompetency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incompetency
  1. inability
  2. incompetence
Noun
  • Johnson’s mayoral tenure has been marked by an inability to work with Springfield, a skill deficiency displayed by his staunch allies at the teachers union and the aligned board members on the CBOE.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Indecisiveness and the inability to keep commitments are a widespread social problem, which has indeed led to the demise of private entertaining.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of inability
Noun
  • The archipelago has faced a drought that has led to severe water shortages in many cities, with government and agency incompetence (or worse, corruption) accused of worsening an already fraught crisis.
    — Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 24 Aug. 2026
  • That is inaccurate, not what the investigation covers, and viral posts on X are misleading people either through incompetence or purposefully misleading information.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of incompetence

Browse Nearby Words

incompetence
incompetency
incompetent
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Cite this Entry

“Incompetency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incompetency. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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