competence

noun

com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• ability
• capability
• capableness
• capacity
• competency
• faculty

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

The rapid advance of generative A.I. in the workplace is having a similar effect on employees’ sense of competence across a growing number of industries. —François Candelon, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2023

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has tarnished Russia’s reputation in Europe and the United States, raising doubts about his regime’s competence. —Michael Kimmage and Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2023

When almost the entire pitching staff goes haywire, a 3.52 ERA and 3.50 FIP – loosely, the definition of competence – is greatly appreciated. —Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, 29 June 2023

Yet, as Roberts rightly observed, courts have no competence to decide how much diversity is enough. —The Editors, National Review, 29 June 2023

His sudden absence and potential firing could be a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin's war effort in Ukraine, some Western military experts believe, noting the general's reputation for competence that goes back to Russia's military operations in Syria. —Michael Lee, Fox News, 25 Aug. 2023

As a result, Canada’s firefighting competence is being scrutinized as nations deploy hundreds of their own firefighters to the country, while also pressuring Ottawa to get a grip on the crisis. —Omar Mouallem, WIRED, 23 Aug. 2023

But the official explanations for why Prigozhin was allowed to escape without punishment looked unusually thin, highlighting new doubts about Putin’s strength and competence in a crisis. —Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 27 June 2023

An increasingly contentious custody battle for their four minor children is underway, as the former NFL linebacker and Bravo star challenge each other’s competence in court. —Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 25 June 2023

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Word History

Etymology

see competent

First Known Use

circa 1640, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

competence

noun

com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s 

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 

: 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 

: 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