competence

noun

com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s How to pronounce competence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being competent: such as
a
: the quality or state of having sufficient knowledge, judgment, skill, or strength (as for a particular duty or in a particular respect)
No one denies her competence as a leader.
They have demonstrated their competence in their specialty or subspecialty by passing a comprehensive exam …Rachael Migler
b
law : legal authority, ability, or admissibility
a matter within the competence of a judge to adjudicate
c
: the knowledge that enables a person to speak and understand a language
has demonstrated competence in conversational Arabic
compare performance sense 6
d
biology : the ability to function or develop in a particular way: such as
(1)
embryology : the ability of embryonic cells and tissue to undergo differentiation in response to an organizer (see organizer sense 2)
(2)
microbiology : the capability of bacterial cells to take up exogenous DNA during genetic transformation
2
: a sufficiency of means for the necessities and conveniences of life
" … money can only give happiness where there is nothing else to give it. Beyond a competence, it can afford no real satisfaction … "Jane Austen

Examples of competence in a Sentence

He trusts in the competence of his doctor. questioned his competence to finish the task without help
Recent Examples on the Web There’s a lot to appreciate about the humor and skill and sheer muscular competence that goes into good, solid, episodic network TV. Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 My competence in the work itself, utilizing machines, tools, and my own hands, never fails to quiet some thrumming tension in my core, a need to be an instrument for fulfilling responsibilities. M. R. O’Connor, The New Yorker, 29 Feb. 2024 And so, one: Jason Bourne, for his competence, coupled with vulnerability and a sense of humor. Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Both of these candidates are people who are being questioned for their competence and being questioned for their character. Nbc Universal, NBC News, 11 Feb. 2024 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has said that admitting privileges are not tied to patient care or a clinician’s competence. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 7 Feb. 2024 Ironically, even though the Democratic Party has increased its share of the country’s national security professionals in Congress, the GOP retains the advantage in public opinion polls in terms of national security competence. Elizabeth N. Saunders, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Algorithms are demonstrating increasing levels of competence in medical diagnostics and treatment recommendations, and are slowly incorporated into practice. Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024 In praising the competence and sensitivity of the Vatican diplomats who negotiated the prisoners’ release, government officials may have sought to deflect attention from the embarrassment to which the pope exposed the regime on the global stage. David Harsanyi, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'competence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see competent

First Known Use

circa 1640, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of competence was circa 1640

Dictionary Entries Near competence

Cite this Entry

“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

competence

noun
com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce competence (audio)
1
: a supply (as of money or property) that is enough to provide for the necessities of life
2
: the quality or state of being competent

Medical Definition

competence

noun
com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce competence (audio)
: the quality or state of being functionally adequate
assess the competence of the immune system
: as
a
: the properties of an embryonic field that enable it to respond in a characteristic manner to an organizer
b
: readiness of bacteria to undergo genetic transformation

Legal Definition

competence

noun
com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pə-təns How to pronounce competence (audio)
: the quality or state of being competent: as
a
: possession of sufficient knowledge or skill
b
: legal authority, ability, or admissibility
a court of general competence
the competence of witnesses
challenge the competence of the evidence

More from Merriam-Webster on competence

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