NYT Dictionary

INEPT

/ɪˈnɛpt/
Adjectivein-EPTin-ept · 2 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2021, 2023, 2025

Meaning

Not able to do something; not proficient; displaying incompetence.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Borrowed from Middle French inepte, from Latin ineptus, from in- + aptus (whence English apt).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

awkwardclumsycumbersomeinaptfecklesstactlessapishartlessasininebad

Antonyms

aptadeptskillful

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

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