demonstrate incompetence

[ˌdemənˈstreɪt ɪnˈkɑːmpɪtəns]
verb phrase
demonstrar incompetência
1. to show or display a lack of skill, knowledge, or ability to perform a task or duty effectively
The manager demonstrated incompetence when he failed to meet the project deadline for the third consecutive time.
O gerente demonstrou incompetência quando falhou em cumprir o prazo do projeto pela terceira vez consecutiva.
2. to reveal one's inability or inadequacy in handling a specific situation or responsibility
His handling of the crisis demonstrated incompetence and poor judgment.
Seu modo de lidar com a crise demonstrou incompetência e mau julgamento.
In both American and Brazilian business contexts, demonstrating incompetence can have serious professional consequences, potentially leading to job loss or demotion. In Brazil, workplace hierarchies may be more forgiving depending on relationships, while in the USA corporate culture tends to be more performance-based and unforgiving of repeated incompetence displays.
NYC Slang
bomb; flop; show you don't know what you're doing
Synonyms / Sinônimos
show incompetencedisplay inabilityreveal inadequacyexpose ineptitudeprove incapable
Antonyms / Antônimos
demonstrate competenceshow expertisedisplay skillprove capableexhibit proficiency

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
demonstrar incompetência
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
demonstrar incompetência / mostrar falta de jogo
Informal variant using 'falta de jogo' (lack of skill)
São Paulo
demonstrar incompetência
Formal business and professional contexts
Portugal
demonstrar incompetência / revelar incapacidade
Portuguese European equivalent, often uses 'incapacidade'

Related Words

incompetenceincompetentineptitudeinadequacyunskilled

Related Idioms & Phrases

show your true colors
reveal one's incompetence
lay bare one's ineptitude
expose oneself as a fraud
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