What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maladroit
Example
He was so maladroit that he tripped over his own feet. [maladroit: adjective]
Example
Her maladroit attempts at cooking resulted in a burnt meal. [maladroit: noun]
inept
Example
The new employee was inept at using the computer system. [inept: adjective]
Example
His ineptitude in fixing the car only made the problem worse. [ineptitude: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inept is more commonly used than maladroit in everyday language. Inept is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while maladroit is less common and refers to a specific type of clumsiness or lack of skill.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between maladroit and inept?
While inept is typically associated with a formal tone, maladroit is more informal and can be employed in casual contexts.