inept
word
Definition
Not good at a particular task, lacking skill or ability; clumsy or awkward in doing something.
Usage & Nuances
Formal or semi-formal. Used to describe people, actions, or things lacking competence. Not as harsh as 'incompetent', but stronger than 'awkward' or 'clumsy'. Often used in work, sports, or social situations to point out lack of skill.
Spanish: inepto - torpePortuguese (BR): inepto - desajeitadoPortuguese (PT): inepto - desajeitadoChinese (Simplified): 笨拙的 - 不称职的Chinese (Traditional): 笨拙的 - 不稱職的Hindi: अयोग्य - अक्षमArabic: غير كفء - غير بارعBengali: অদক্ষ - অযোগ্য - আনাড়িRussian: неспособный - неумелый - некомпетентныйJapanese: 不器用（ぶきよう） - 無能（むのう）Vietnamese: vụng về - không có năng lựcKorean: 서투른 - 무능한Turkish: beceriksiz - yeteneksizUrdu: نادان - اناڑی - نااہلIndonesian: tidak cakap - ceroboh - tidak terampil
Example Sentences
The new employee seemed nice but was completely inept with the computer system.
natural
He is inept at cooking and usually burns the food.
basic
The team's inept strategy led to their defeat.
basic
She felt inept during her first day at the new job.
basic
Honestly, I'm pretty inept when it comes to fixing things around the house.
natural
His inept attempt at humor only made things more awkward.
natural