Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The quality of being inapt; inaptitude; unreadiness; awkwardness.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun inappropriateness

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Conceding the "inaptness" of my diction, one can't help but notice that Powers 'focus is how one says something rather than what is said, which is rather dangerous given that he positions himself in the nation's capital.

    The Powers That Be 2007

  • I looked him straight in the eye and snapped "Get stuffed!" with perfect clarity and terrible inaptness.

    Sick Cycle Carousel 2010

  • The difficulty with finding an apt replacemen for GWOT highlights the inaptness of the term.

    Matthew Yglesias » After GWOT, What? 2007

  • I confess utter bewilderment at the inaptness of the comparison.

    Marc Kusnetz: Bereft in Berlin 2008

  • Because of its hypothetical inaptness with such a culture, Stone argued now that all future Muslim immigration must end.

    UNITE against RACISM 2007

  • Reckless audacity came to be considered the courage of a loyal ally; prudent hesitation, specious cowardice; moderation was held to be a cloak for unmanliness; ability to see all sides of a question, inaptness to act on any.

    The History of the Peloponnesian War Thucydides 2005

  • This put me and Schillie upon employing our spare time in teaching them ourselves, which announcement was at first received rather coldly; but they derived such infinite amusement from our inaptness to the business that they were quite impatient if anything prevented us performing this office.

    Yr Ynys Unyg The Lonely Island Julia de Winton

  • As we clambered on, two bushmen all in white, a dog or two, and a woman in a holland riding-dress, the Maluka pointed out the inaptness of the simile.

    We of the Never-Never Jeannie Gunn 1915

  • "Oh, I'm sorry," murmured the girl, striving so hard to speak with impersonal unconcern that she did not notice the inaptness of her reply.

    Miss Billy -- Married 1914

  • Possibly the inaptness of the instrument he employed only shows more clearly his greatness as an orator.

    The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2: Assizes-Browne 1840-1916 1913

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