adj.
Pronunciation: i- ' nept
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French inepte, from Latin ineptus, from in- + aptus apt
Date: 1542
1 : lacking in fitness or aptitude : UNFIT < inept at sports>
2 : lacking sense or reason : FOOLISH
3 : not suitable to the time, place, or occasion : inappropriate often to an absurd degree <an inept metaphor>
4 : generally incompetent : BUNGLING < inept leadership>
synonyms see AWKWARD
– in · ept · ly \ - ' nep(t)-l ē \ adverb
– in · ept · ness \ -n ə s \ noun