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inept — showing no skill; clumsy or incompetent

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: showing no skill; clumsy or incompetent

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪˈnept/

Example Sentences

  • The new intern was so inept that he managed to crash the computer just by trying to open an email.
  • Her inept attempt at small talk resulted in awkward silence for the rest of the elevator ride.
  • The company's inept response to the crisis damaged their reputation significantly.

inept

ADJECTIVE

[/ɪˈnept/]

showing no skill; clumsy or incompetent

The inept waiter dropped three plates while trying to balance one glass.
💡 Concept

The inept waiter dropped three plates while trying to balance one glass.

IN(not) + EPT(apt) — proving he was entirely IN(not) EPT(apt) at building, the worker created an inept brick wall that instantly fell over.
🧠 Mnemonic

IN(not) + EPT(apt) — proving he was entirely IN(not) EPT(apt) at building, the worker created an inept brick wall that instantly fell over.

After the boss perfectly swept the dusty floor, the new worker knocked over the trash can, proving his inept cleaning skills.
🎵 Rhyme

After the boss perfectly swept the dusty floor, the new worker knocked over the trash can, proving his inept cleaning skills.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪˈnept/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪˈnept/

🌳Etymology

Prefixin--
Rootept

Origin

From Latin 'ineptus' meaning 'unsuitable' or 'unfit,' composed of the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'aptus' (apt, fit, suitable).

Breakdown

in- (not) + apt (fit, suitable) + -us (Latin suffix) = inept (not suitable or skilled)

🎵Rhyme

adept
kept
wept
slept

🔗Collocations

inept handling
socially inept
inept leadership
inept performance
completely inept

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The new intern was so inept that he managed to crash the computer just by trying to open an email.”

😄 Fun example

“Her inept attempt at small talk resulted in awkward silence for the rest of the elevator ride.”

“The company's inept response to the crisis damaged their reputation significantly.”

😄 Fun example

“He felt inept when trying to assemble the IKEA furniture without reading the instructions.”

📚Related Words

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