ineptly

Examples

• All

• He ineptly attempted to fix the car, making the problem worse instead of better.

• Democratic procedures are often used ineptly by adults with years of training and breadth of education.

  Academic text (1995)

• She dabbed at his muzzle ineptly, at the same time backing off a bit.

  Fiction book (1995)

• Although the Republicans are riding high now, do not overestimate their ability to seize the field now so ineptly being vacated by the Democrats.

  Blog text (9)

• Hutchinson brought down two stray teal as they winged in low just behind the blind, and Duke ineptly retrieved both of them.

  Fiction book (1996)

• Lucilla was dressed in old and faded jeans with slits at the knees that had been ineptly patched with some red-spotted material.

  Fiction book (1990)

• Even when staged ineptly, as were Samuel Goldwyn's 1955 film version and Des McAnuff's 2009 Broadway revival, Guys and Dolls remains irresistible.

  Academic text (2009)

• Civil authorities, represented by the other Trustees and their various appointed provincial officials, struggled—at times ineptly and ineffectively—to establish themselves as clearly superior to military authorities.

  Academic text (2011)

• The presentation was ineptly delivered, leaving the audience confused and unimpressed.

• She handled the negotiation ineptly, failing to secure any agreements for the company.

Synonyms

B

badly

vsineptly

283 1.0

In a way that is not good or skillful

points to lack of skill or competence rather than vague poor quality

C

clumsily

vsineptly

12 2.8

In an awkward way that shows little skill or control

covers lack of general skill or competence, not only poor coordination

I

incompetently

vsineptly

2 4.2

In a way that shows little skill or ability

focuses more on clumsy awkward physical action than broad poor skill

I

inexpertly

vsineptly

1 6.6

In a way that shows little skill or experience

is about general lack of competence rather than only limited experience

I

inelegantly

vsineptly

1 5.5

In a clumsy way that is not graceful

is about lack of ability or competence, not only poor elegance

I

inaptly

vsineptly

• Formal

1 6.9

In a clumsy way that does not suit the situation

focuses on poor skill or clumsiness rather than wrong fit or timing

U

unskillfully

vsineptly

4.0

In a clumsy way that shows little ability

is more about clumsy or awkward action rather than only lacking skill

M

maladroitly

vsineptly

8.7

In a clumsy way that causes problems

emphasizes general lack of ability or competence beyond mere awkwardness

A

artlessly

vsineptly

7.4

In a clumsy way that shows little skill

is more about lacking trained ability than simply crude style

F

fecklessly

vsineptly

• Offensive

9.5

In a careless way that makes mistakes and causes problems

focuses on poor skill or clumsiness rather than irresponsibility

Antonyms

S

skillfully

22 3.2

To do something very well because you have practice and control

C

competently

8 3.6

In a way that shows enough skill to do a job well

How Skilled

expertly

19 3.4

skillfully

22 3.2

ineptly

1 5.5

unskillfully

4.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology