Practicing weaponized incompetence helps people shirk responsibilities such as household chores, childcare duties, financial responsibilities, or emotional labor.

Weaponized incompetence can help someone avoid the discomfort of having to deal with tasks that cause them to experience insecurity, doubt, or fear, says de Llano.

Some people use weaponized incompetence to seek attention from their partner. By appearing helpless or incapable, they may elicit their partner’s attention, sympathy, or support.