Incompetently: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is appropriate when someone lacks basic skill or ability to perform a task correctly, often leading to negative outcomes.

• The manager handled the project incompetently, causing delays and errors.
• He incompetently attempted to fix the computer, making the problem worse.

Use this term when describing someone who is not only lacking skill but also clumsy or awkward in their attempts, resulting in a clear lack of success.

• She ineptly tried to juggle, dropping all the balls almost immediately.
• The student ineptly handled the science experiment, causing a minor explosion.

This term suggests someone is simply lacking skill, but there may not necessarily be a significant negative impact as in 'incompetently.'

• She unskillfully painted the portrait, but it was still charming in its own way.
• The new employee typed the report unskillfully, resulting in many typos.

This is fitting when someone or something uses more resources, time, or effort than necessary to complete a task, typically leading to wasted effort or materials.

• The factory operated inefficiently, wasting a lot of raw materials.
• He inefficiently managed his time, resulting in missed deadlines.