YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME
Inept
Understand it. Say it. Use it.
UNDERSTAND THE WORD
Meaning in plain English
SAY IT ALOUD
Pronunciation
Inept/ɪˈnɛpt/
Computer-generated audio. A British English voice is preferred when available. Follow the IPA for this entry; device voices can vary.
PICTURE THE IDEA
See the meaning
A task needs skill
Handled clumsily or badly
SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Examples in context
Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.
- The intern was charming but completely inept at handling client calls.
- His inept attempt to fix the sink only made the leak worse.
MAKE IT STICK
Quick word quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the word?
Complete the example using the word from this lesson.
The intern was charming but completely ________ at handling client calls.
Show the answer
Inept — Lacking skill, ability, or competence; clumsy or awkward.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Inept” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Lacking skill, ability, or competence; clumsy or awkward.
Compare: The intern was charming but completely inept at handling client calls.
Check the spelling and how the word fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
Word origin
Did you know?
Explore related words
Open a word’s lesson when available, or explore entries that use the related term.
Make the word your own
- Say the word aloud and read an example sentence.
- Write a new sentence about something familiar to you.
- Cover the meaning and try explaining the word in your own words.
Continue with the app’s practice check, then try a sentence of your own to mark this word complete.
Practise this word in the appCompletion and saved words stay in this browser on this device.