WorldJuly 15, 2026

ineptitude

/ˌɪnˈɛptɪˌtjuːd/

Definition

A lack of skill, competence, or ability; the quality of being unsuitable or ineffective in handling a situation.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'ineptus,' meaning 'not suitable' or 'absurd,' combined with the suffix '-tude' to denote a state or condition. It entered English in the 17th century to describe the state of being inept.

In the news

The Oyo State APC used this term to criticize Governor Makinde, suggesting his call for an international investigation was a sign of incompetence and poor political judgment.

Oriiire kidnapping: Senate, lawyers, CSOs divided over Makinde’s push for UN probe

Read the full article ↗

The Guardian Nigeria News

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.