What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incompetentness
Example
The company suffered due to the manager's incompetence. [incompetence: noun]
Example
She was fired from her job due to her incompetence in handling customer complaints. [incompetence: noun]
inadequacy
Example
The team's performance was affected by the inadequacy of their equipment. [inadequacy: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of inadequacy when compared to her more successful peers. [inadequacy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inadequacy is more commonly used than incompetentness in everyday language. Inadequacy is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while incompetentness is less common and is typically used in specific situations to describe a person's lack of ability.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between incompetentness and inadequacy?
Both incompetentness and inadequacy can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, incompetentness may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage and specific connotation towards a person's lack of ability.