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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.

As post-conviction lawyers who now represent Carruthers have said, his trial performance was “singularly inept, ineffective, and disastrous.”

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

The Scotsman had built a stellar reputation at sea, offset by an inept sense of naval and parliamentary politics at home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Comedian Daniel Tosh even parlayed a desire to gawk at the web’s inept and unaware into a vicious update of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” that aired on Comedy Central for years.

From Salon • Feb. 16, 2026

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

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

He’d doubted it until now, wondered how the Runners could be so inept.

From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner

Vocabulary lists containing inept

Grade 10, List 1

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