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

Russia is one of world’s most advanced producers of nuclear technology and energy, and is taking advantage of this core competence to expand its own nuclear power stations export capacity. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

This term refers to a degree of competence that suggests the individual is among the small fraction of people who have reached the pinnacle of their profession. —William Jones, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

Compared with the calm and yet urgent competence of The Pitt, Pulse’s medical professionals stroll through a hospital full of glamour lighting, moseying calmly from one trauma to the next. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025

The anecdote illustrates the contrast in competence and grasp of real world dangers between Reagan’s team and Trump’s toadies — and also between these presidents themselves. —George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see competent

First Known Use

circa 1640, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for competence

• incompetence

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