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When "incompetent" meets "inept": a dysfunctional duo

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 11/01/2025, 08:59
English.me team member
Incompetent and inept. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "incompetent" and "inept" describe a lack of skill, ability, or proficiency in performing a task or function.

What is different?

While both words indicate a lack of skill, "incompetent" often refers to lacking the necessary qualifications or competence to perform a task successfully, especially in a professional or formal context. "Inept" often implies clumsiness or awkwardness and can suggest a lack of judgment or tact, especially in social situations.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for incompetent) and inept

Examples of usage

Incompetent
  • The manager was fired because he was incompetent at running the department.
  • Due to his incompetent handling of the project, the company lost a major client.
  • She felt incompetent after failing the certification exam for the third time.
Inept
  • His inept attempts at cooking always ended in disaster.
  • The comedian's inept delivery of the joke left the audience confused.
  • She was socially inept and struggled to make friends at the new school.

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