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Definitions

inept

[in-ept, ih-nept] / ɪnˈɛpt, ɪˈnɛpt /
ADJECTIVE
clumsy, unskilled; incompetent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
awkward bumbling incompetent inefficient
WEAK
all thumbs artless bungling butterfingers gauche halting inadept incapable inexpert loser maladroit unapt undexterous unfacile ungraceful unhandy unproficient unskillful wooden
Antonyms
STRONGEST
able capable competent dexterous efficient expert skillful
WEAK
acceptable adroit fit proper skilled suitable
ADJECTIVE
not suitable; improper
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absurd ridiculous
WEAK
ill-timed inappropriate inapt infelicitous malapropos meaningless not adapted out of place pointless undue unfit unseasonable unseemly unsuitable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
reasonable sensible
WEAK
able acceptable adroit competent dexterous fit proper skilled skillful suitable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The increased scrutiny that’s come with their ascent, however, has revealed them to be hilariously inept.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2026

There’s a real argument here that an agency so inept in its recruitment will also be inept at training people and carrying out its mission.

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

A party insider described talk of a leadership challenge before May to me as "politically inept".

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

The smartest guy in the room could also be strangely inept at reading the room.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

“I think she was surprised. And perhaps her feelings were hurt. She certainly didn’t express herself very well. Shocking, really, that a romance novelist could be so inept at the language of the heart.”

From "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo