inept at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inept at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that is not very good at doing something, usually because of a lack of skill or ability. For example, "He was inept at English grammar so he struggled in his writing class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am inept at the skills required.

The New York Times

He is pathetically inept at chopping wood.

The New York Times

Pat is fantastically inept at his job.

The Guardian

It is sorrowfully inept at reproducing.

The New York Times - Travel

But his administration proved singularly inept at that, too.

The New Yorker

Why were adults so inept at protecting their children?

The New Yorker

In another example, Whitehall is wholly inept at computer projects.

The Guardian - Opinion

For all Japan's prowess in designing computers, the government is peculiarly inept at running them.

The Economist

The police have proven peculiarly inept at stemming sporadic but recurrent bouts of sectarian strife.

The Economist

Worse still, local mayors, particularly in Kurdish areas, have proved inept at dealing with the outbreak.

The Economist

Besides, I'm so inept at delegating that I'd need an assistant to train my assistant.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inept at", ensure that the specific skill or area of incompetence is clearly defined to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "He is inept", specify "He is inept at public speaking".

Common error

Avoid using "inept at" too broadly. Be precise about the area of incompetence. Saying someone is "inept at life" is vague and doesn't offer actionable insight. Instead, pinpoint specific areas like "inept at managing finances" or "inept at forming relationships".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inept at" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe a lack of skill or competence in a specific activity or area. As Ludwig AI states, it is commonly used to indicate someone or something is not very good at something due to a deficiency in skill.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inept at" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote a lack of skill or competence in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and academic writing, indicating its versatility across different registers. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly define the area of incompetence to avoid vagueness and ensure effective communication. Ludwig examples underline the fact that many authoritative sources frequently employ this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incompetent at

Replaces "inept" with a synonym that also conveys a lack of ability.

not proficient in

Replaces "inept" with "not proficient", indicating a lack of expertise.

lacking skill in

Uses a more explicit phrasing to highlight the absence of skill.

unskilled in

Uses a different adjective and preposition to express a similar lack of skill.

not good at

A simpler and more direct way to express a lack of proficiency.

poorly skilled in

Highlights the low quality of one's skills in a specific area.

deficient in

Emphasizes a lack or shortage of the required skill or ability.

weak in

Implies a general lack of strength or ability in a particular domain.

struggling with

Focuses on the difficulty one experiences due to a lack of skill.

untalented at

Highlights a natural lack of talent or aptitude.

FAQs

How do I use "inept at" in a sentence?

Use "inept at" to describe someone's lack of skill or competence in a specific area. For example, "He is inept at managing his time" or "The government was inept at handling the crisis."

What are some synonyms for "inept at"?

Alternatives include "unskilled in", "incompetent at", or "lacking skill in". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "inept in" or "inept at"?

"Inept at" is the more common and grammatically correct phrasing. While "inept in" might be understood, it's less idiomatic and less frequently used. Stick to "inept at" for clarity and correctness.

What's the difference between "inept at" and "bad at"?

"Inept at" implies a higher degree of incompetence or lack of skill than "bad at". "Bad at" suggests a general lack of proficiency, while "inept at" suggests a more pronounced inability or clumsiness in a particular area.