wanting in competence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanting in competence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who lacks the necessary skills or abilities in a particular area. Example: "The candidate was ultimately rejected for the position due to being wanting in competence for the required tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dazzled by 'Globalisation 1' and the totalising power of 'scale' geographies, this rejection of the worth of spatial analysis at less than the global or national 'scalar envelope' is assessed for its potential insights into weaknesses of the regional innovation systems approach but found wanting in both technical accuracy and scholarly competence.

Research Policy

Now it has been shown wanting in its core competence though, with 11,000 fund managers to oversee, not to mention the boom in mortgage-related cases, some may think it inevitable.

The Economist

When Kolditz worked at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, his colleagues conducted a survey of soldiers serving in Mosul, Iraq, and found that they listed honesty and integrity third among the qualities they want in a superior (after competence and loyalty).

BBC

For participants with otherwise equal levels of general self-efficacy, some felt a strong sense of competence in getting what they want in spite of others opposing them, whereas others felt they had less such competence.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Could this result in vocational competence that no one will want in the future, and consequently, the student will not meet the upcoming demands from the building industry?

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

He wants "dignified competence in a person of utmost probity".

The Guardian

About half experienced some problems when using the guidelines and 43.7% wanted better competence in using them.

BMJ Open

He says he wants in his administration "people of the greatest excellence and competence.

Huffington Post

The combined international expertise and accessible guidance here will equip nurses, or any clinician wanting to increase their competence in IBD management.

Springer

If the defeat of the former county executive, Thomas S. Gulotta, proved anything it is that voters, Republicans and Democrats alike, want competence and honesty in financing government.

The New York Times

"We wanted medical competence, psychological competence, validation that a person who was raped was still a significant human being, and above all, compassion".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger alternatives like "lacking competence" or "incompetent" for more direct and impactful communication.

Common error

Avoid using "wanting in competence" without specifying the area of deficiency. General statements of incompetence can be vague and unhelpful. Always clarify what specific skills or knowledge are lacking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanting in competence" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of necessary skills or abilities. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a deficiency. The example highlights its use in evaluating a candidate's suitability for a role.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wanting in competence" describes a deficiency in skills or abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct but less common than alternatives like "lacking competence". Its usage tends toward formal and scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, clarity is crucial when using this phrase; specifying the area where competence is lacking prevents ambiguity. Although rare, the phrase is used in reputable sources, implying a degree of authority, particularly in professional assessments. The examples provided offer insights into how to effectively employ and interpret this expression. Consider more direct alternatives for stronger communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking competence

Directly replaces "wanting" with "lacking", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

deficient in competence

Substitutes "wanting" with "deficient", implying a more significant shortage of competence.

incompetent

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective, indicating a lack of competence.

not up to par

Uses an idiomatic expression meaning not meeting the required standard.

falling short in competence

Emphasizes the failure to reach a required level of competence.

lacking the required skills

Focuses on the absence of specific skills needed.

not skilled enough

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

not qualified

Indicates a lack of the necessary qualifications or credentials.

unable to perform adequately

Highlights the inability to perform tasks to a satisfactory level.

out of their depth

Uses an idiomatic expression meaning being in a situation beyond one's capabilities.

FAQs

What does "wanting in competence" mean?

It means lacking the necessary skills, knowledge, or ability to perform a task or fulfill a role adequately. It suggests a deficiency in a particular area.

What are some alternatives to "wanting in competence"?

You can use alternatives such as "lacking competence", "deficient in competence", or simply "incompetent", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "lacking competence" or "wanting in competence"?

"Lacking competence" is generally more direct and commonly used. "Wanting in competence" is less frequent but still grammatically correct.

How can I use "wanting in competence" in a sentence?

For example: "The candidate was ultimately rejected for the position due to being "wanting in competence" for the required tasks."