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 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 If Black and Middlebrooks plan to make that challenge, their lawyers must file petitions alleging incompetency between May 27-29 for Black and between July 7-9 for Middlebrooks. — Evan Mealins, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Mar. 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
  • This move follows a successful loan spell at Monaco and his inability to impress new coach Hansi Flick.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The ripple effect of food insecurity around the world from Ukraine’s inability to ship its normally massive grain crops.
    — Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Definition of inability
Noun
  • In it, the author described a culture of confusion, stress, and incompetence, as contractors competed for work to be completed under near-impossible deadlines.
    — Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The most serious charges — which included incompetence, negligence and failure of duty — were dismissed.
    — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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