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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inept
Leading the way with his endless reserves of confidence, Montagu enlists his socially inept fellow agent Charles Cholmondeley (David Cumming) to be the brains of the operation and, against all odds, manages to sell the scheme to commanding officer Johnny Bevan (Zoë Roberts).
—
Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump has shown to be adept at the first, but inept at the second.
—Bob Rawitch, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025
The state’s prohibitionist approach isn’t inept policy, says Paul Craney with the free-market Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance think tank.
—Chris Woodward, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
The two later shook hands and made up. 1979: In the wake of the city’s inept handling of record January snowstorms, Jane Byrne upset Mayor Michael Bilandic in the Democratic primary.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inept
Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
President Donald Trump has shown to be adept at the first, but inept at the second.
—Bob Rawitch, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025
The state’s prohibitionist approach isn’t inept policy, says Paul Craney with the free-market Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance think tank.
—Chris Woodward, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
The two later shook hands and made up. 1979: In the wake of the city’s inept handling of record January snowstorms, Jane Byrne upset Mayor Michael Bilandic in the Democratic primary.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inept
Adjective
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The police department’s insufficient and incompetent investigation cannot stand.—
Jeff A. Chamer,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
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After almost a year of being declared incompetent, her trial began in April 2023.—
Miguel Torres,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Mickey Rourke was removed from the Celebrity Big Brother UK house after further usage of inappropriate language.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
13 Apr. 2025
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Lewin has insisted there was nothing inappropriate about this visit.—
Nick Tabor,
Curbed,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Raw also advertised Bayley challenging Lyra Valkyria for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship, Penta vs. Dominik Mysterio and the world’s most clumsy GM Adam Pearce making his next fumble of the worst storyline going this WrestleMania season between Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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This is why the Trump administration’s DOGE exercise — while clumsy at times — is such an important endeavor despite Democratic efforts to discredit it.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Friendships built on insecurity, where men constantly have to prove their manhood, are a breeding ground for toxic attitudes and stupid decision-making.—
Terry Ward,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2025
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Also, his team told him over the radio, basically, don’t do anything stupid, Nato is going to be penalized for not using all his Attack Mode.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The injunction request stated the premises were unfit for occupancy and owners did not have a valid city business license.—
Samantha Moilanen,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
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Just like an organization being certain that other players are unfit for the harsh glare of intense games in April.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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If the new wells prove unsuitable for city use, the city has a contingency plan designed for rehabilitation.—
Kyle Martin,
The Mercury News,
25 Mar. 2025
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Until now, scientists have generally thought that planets orbiting white dwarfs would be unsuitable for life because the dynamic temperature decrease of their dead parent star makes their atmospheres too unstable.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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For introverts who might naturally lean toward a prevention focus—fearing rejection or awkward interactions—consciously developing a promotion focus can transform their job search approach.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Its Darcy, Matthew MacFadyen, was in his late 20s and still had an awkward, youthful reserve that turned out to be perfect for this version’s take on the handsome, distant gentleman who falls for Elizabeth.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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While tailback isn’t a need, only foolish franchises pass up adding generational talents such as Jeanty.—
Omar Kelly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2025
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Evening rush-hour commuters — who thought winter was over — felt foolish after the city was socked with a record-breaking spring snowfall.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inept. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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