The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word INEPT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
I
N
E
P
T
More clues leading to the result INEPT
- Start off quite well, then pint makes you clumsy
- Popular old record, though initially unsuitable
- Bungling writer brought up in centre of Linlithgow
- Fashionable pet hopelessly clumsy
- Useless writer held back by sex
- Bungling writer’s back, overcome by drink
- Awkward writer reflected in it
- One clear about parking being awkward
- Clumsy writer held up by computer technology
- Delicate point, female being sacked for showing no skill
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Showing lack of skill" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case showing lack of skill = inept.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does INEPT mean?
INEPT adjective- Not able to do something; not proficient; displaying incompetence.
- Unfit; unsuitable.