adjective
inept
ih-NEPT/ɪˈnept/
Lacking the skill or judgment needed to do something well.
The inept hammering bends the nail while the tool faces backward.
Etymology
The pieces mean “not suitable,” linking inept with apt. Unsuitability extends to a person's abilities or conduct: someone inept lacks the competence or judgment a situation requires.
In context
it's also great to have inept people like to have incompetent people
More examples
- I'm completely inept with tools, so I hire someone for repairs.
- Her inept attempt at an apology only makes him angrier.
- The committee's inept planning leaves half the guests without seats.
Forms
inept
ineptitude noun — A lack of skill or judgment.
ineptly adverb — Without the necessary skill or judgment.
Similar words
- incompetent
- Emphasizes failure to meet the basic requirements of a task.
- unskilled
- Emphasizes lack of training or experience rather than poor judgment.