" inept "

1: lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job;

  * e.g., " ... a well-meaning but inept assistant who can't seem to keep appointments straight "

•  Synonyms : 

•  inapt,

•  incapable,

•  incompetent,

•  inexpert,

•  unable,

•  unfit,

•  unfitted,

•  unqualified,

•  unskilled,

•  unskillful

•  Antonyms : 

•  able,

•  capable,

•  competent,

•  expert,

•  fit,

•  qualified,

•  skilled,

•  skillful,

•  ultracompetent

2: not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation;

  * e.g., " ... an inept comparison between nursing-home residents and day-care children that many found offensive "

•  Synonyms : 

•  amiss,

•  graceless,

•  improper,

•  inapposite,

•  inappropriate,

•  inapt,

•  incongruous,

•  incorrect,

•  indecorous,

•  infelicitous,

•  malapropos,

•  perverse,

•  unapt,

•  unbecoming,

•  unfit,

•  unhappy,

•  unseemly,

•  unsuitable,

•  untoward,

•  wrong

•  Antonyms : 

•  appropriate,

•  becoming,

•  befitting,

•  correct,

•  decorous,

•  felicitous,

•  fit,

•  fitting,

•  genteel,

•  happy,

•  meet,

•  proper,

•  right,

•  seemly,

•  suitable

3: showing or marked by a lack of skill and tact (as in dealing with a situation);

  * e.g., " ... an inept effort to become friends with their future son-in-law "

•  Synonyms : 

•  awkward,

•  botched,

•  bungling,

•  clumsy,

•  fumbled,

•  inexpert,

•  maladroit

•  Antonyms : 

•  adroit,

•  deft,

•  dexterous,

•  facile