Answer the following question below and choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase in. Dupe was promoted for her efficiency

Analyze the question You are asked to find the word opposite in meaning to "efficiency" (the underlined word) in the sentence: Dupe was promoted for her efficiency.

Explain the concept This is an antonym question. "Efficiency" means the ability to do a job well, quickly, and without wasting time or effort. Its opposite is a lack of that quality, which means being unable or ineffective at doing a job.

Step-by-step solution

• A. ability: this is close to efficiency in meaning, so it is a synonym, not an antonym. ❌
• B. inconsistency: this means being changeable or unreliable. It is not the direct opposite of efficiency. ❌
• C. incompetence: this means lacking the skill to do a job properly, which is the direct opposite of efficiency. ✅
• D. rudness (rudeness): this relates to bad manners and has nothing to do with work performance. ❌

Answer: The correct option is C. incompetence.

Tip: In antonym questions, first eliminate any option that is a synonym (like "ability" here). Then pick the word that is the true opposite in the same context. Also, prefixes such as "in-" often signal negation (competence → incompetence), but check that the meaning really fits, as "inconsistency" shows.