Inchoate
Adjective
- Just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary.
- Confused or incoherent.
Example Sentences
“Many new businesses launch with inchoate plans and fail within the first year.”
“Our inchoate organization still needs to fill major positions.”
“The team was somewhat inchoate, lacking the leadership and skills to get the job done.”
Word Origin
Latin, mid-16th century
Why this word?
“Inchoate” has evolved in meaning and connotation over time. As it derives from a Latin word meaning “to work on,” it generally refers to something that’s in progress but unfinished. However, it has developed a slightly negative connotation that suggests disarray or confusion.