Ann's efficiency earned her a promotion while Jane's … caused her dismissal.

Step 1: Analyze the question You need a word that does two things:

1. It must be most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word, "efficiency".
2. It must fit the gap logically: Jane's __ caused her dismissal (being fired).

Step 2: Explain the concept This is an antonym-in-context question. The sentence uses "while" to show contrast. Ann's efficiency led to something good (promotion), so Jane's opposite quality led to something bad (dismissal).

Efficiency means the ability to do a job well, without wasting time or effort. Its opposite is inefficiency or incompetence, which means the inability to do a job properly.

Step 3: Test each option

• A. lateness: This is about punctuality, not job performance. It is not the direct opposite of efficiency.
• B. capability: This means ability. It is close to efficiency in meaning (a synonym), and it would not cause dismissal.
• C. incompetence: This means lack of skill or ability to do a job well. It is the direct opposite of efficiency, and it is a logical reason for dismissal. ✔
• D. laziness: This is a possible reason for dismissal, but its opposite is hard work or diligence, not efficiency. A lazy person can be efficient when they do work, and a hardworking person can be inefficient.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. incompetence.

Tip: In "opposite meaning + fill the gap" questions, first find the opposite of the underlined word, then check that it makes sense in the sentence. Watch out for options like "capability", which are synonyms and are placed there as traps.