1
as in incompetent
lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job
a well-meaning but inept assistant who can't seem to keep appointments straight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation
an inept comparison between nursing-home residents and day-care children that many found offensive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in clumsy
showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation)
an inept effort to become friends with their future son-in-law
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in stupid
showing or marked by a lack of good sense or judgment
she offers one inept suggestion after another for saving the parish church
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 inept
Golden State is largely offensively inept in the half court without Curry.
—
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025
Then there’s the inept producer Jeff (Alex Wolff), sound guy Justin (Joe Apollonio), and the only Spanish speaker, Elena (Ulman), all of whom scramble to make a new plan.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 May 2025
Although often socially inept and abrasive when interacting with dancers, the show makes the case for creative talent as a redeeming attribute for many character traits.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, inept commentator Buck Laughlin (Fred Willard) vainly attempts to provide colorful tidbits about each breed.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inept
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025
Then there’s the inept producer Jeff (Alex Wolff), sound guy Justin (Joe Apollonio), and the only Spanish speaker, Elena (Ulman), all of whom scramble to make a new plan.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 May 2025
Although often socially inept and abrasive when interacting with dancers, the show makes the case for creative talent as a redeeming attribute for many character traits.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, inept commentator Buck Laughlin (Fred Willard) vainly attempts to provide colorful tidbits about each breed.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inept
Adjective
-
Trump is somewhat incompetent at being an autocrat right now.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
6 June 2025
-
Two common themes emerged: many aren’t sure of who the DA is or what the office does and, those who do know, view the DA as ineffective, unprofessional and, in many cases, incompetent.—
Craig MacLellan,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
Both the city’s account and Mayor Quinton Lucas issued online apologies that night, agreeing that the post was inappropriate.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
-
There can be a change to the list if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on another would be inappropriate.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
These transitions, between past and present, are sometimes clumsy but sometimes genuinely sweet, as with an old letter that near-simultaneously is dictated and written, received and read, and finally rediscovered (and only partially understood) in the 21st century.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
27 May 2025
-
Wildlife officials helped remove a black bear found hanging out in the kitchen of a Kentucky home after an impressive, yet clumsy break-in, photos show.—
Mitchell Willetts,
Kansas City Star,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
This is just stupid how successful this is, but that’s really underselling it.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
31 May 2025
-
Camp, stupid, joyful—to both own and access—Labubu has taken over.—
Lara Johnson-Wheeler,
Vogue,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
The man, 41, was taken to the hospital once the flight landed, and he was later arrested on suspicion of being unfit for duty, per the statement.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
1 June 2025
-
The trouble is, the president who insisted that Biden was unfit now encourages speculation about seeking a clearly unconstitutional third term.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Any useless, toxic or otherwise unsuitable man can become a child’s legal father, without being subject to the thorough checks that these women must face.—
Catherine Bray,
Variety,
23 May 2025
-
Advertisement Advertisement Some insects are adapting to changing climates by moving to regions that might have previously been unsuitable.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
From awkward silences to unresolved tensions, most of us would rather scroll, text, or disappear than risk a moment of raw, honest connection.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
The feelings of being sweaty, red-faced and kind of awkward is very familiar to me.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
To write off the Israeli leader would be foolish, especially with new elections not required until late 2026.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
22 May 2025
-
His writing is so human—his people are foolish in such human ways.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inept. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share