Distinguished but inept (7)
I believe the answer is:
notable
This clue could be a double definition.
'distinguished' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'inept' is the second definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?
'but' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for notable that I've seen before include "well known" , "Unusual" , "Impressive" , "Outstanding" , "Remarkable, worthy of comment" .)