inept
Translation
inept, clumsy, incompetent
Examples
He was criticised for his inept handling of the situation.
He was criticized for his inept handling of the situation.
She is socially inept and finds it hard to talk.
She is socially inept and finds it hard to talk.
Grammar Patterns
to be inept to be inept His attempts to help were rather inept.
inept at ((sth./-ing)) to be inept at (sth./-ing) He is completely inept at DIY.
Similar Words
Synonyms: incompetent, clumsy, awkward; Antonyms: competent, skilled, adept
Etymology
From Latin 'ineptus', from 'in-' (not) + 'aptus' (apt, fit). It originally meant 'unsuitable'.
Memory Tips
Think 'IN-APT'. Someone who is inept is not 'apt' or suitable for a task; they lack skill.