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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

Mr. Gosling’s Grace, unlike Matt Damon’s character, is attractively humble, often confused, and at times inept.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

“We spoke a lot about what kind of man Gustav was — the paradox of someone who can see people so clearly in his art yet be so clumsy and inept in his real life.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

"I don't know if I'm shy. I think I'm socially inept," she recently told Canadian DJ Tara Sloane.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

A misshapen armadillo caught my eye, warped and buckled and lumpy, obviously stuffed by the most inept amateur.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

Vocabulary lists containing inept

Grade 10, List 1

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