competency

noun

com·​pe·​ten·​cy ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)-sē How to pronounce competency (audio)
plural competencies
1
: competence: such as
a
: possession of sufficient knowledge or skill
Dr. Polidoro was cited for his outstanding contributions to the profession, his professional … competency … and dedication.Rhode Island
At length horrible doubts overtake him as to the captain's competency to navigate his ship.Herman Melville
b
: legal authority, ability, or admissibility
They evaluated the defendant's competency to stand trial.
2
: a specific area of competence
A "meister," or master, who works with the student at the jobsite will then be able to check off when an apprentice has achieved certain competencies.Lynn Olson
I have always believed businesses that concentrate on a very few core competencies will do the best.Bill Gates
When coming up with a list of different industries, positions, and professions to which your skills could transfer, the key is to think in terms of your core competencies.John A. Challenger

Examples of competency in a Sentence

Critics have questioned the director's competency. she's proved that she has the competency to run a major company
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two previous criminal cases against Grafe — one in 2001 in Tampa and another in 2013 in Miami — were dismissed due to Grafe being found incompetent, without the chance of his competency being restored, the attorney added. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 Brown’s public defender in that case requested an evaluation of his mental competency. Mary Ramsey updated September 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025 Chokr was subject to competency proceedings over the last two-plus years, according to court records. Christina Hall, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025 As industries evolve, upskilling and the ability to learn new competencies will be among a worker's most valuable on-the-job assets. Craig Costigan, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for competency

Word History

Etymology

see competent

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of competency was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competency. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

competency

noun
com·​pe·​ten·​cy ˈkäm-pət-ən-sē How to pronounce competency (audio)

Medical Definition

competency

noun
com·​pe·​ten·​cy -ən-sē How to pronounce competency (audio)
plural competencies

Legal Definition

competency

noun
com·​pe·​ten·​cy ˈkäm-pə-tən-sē How to pronounce competency (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being mentally competent compare capacity, incompetence, insanity
2
: the quality or state of being legally qualified or adequate
the competency, quantum and legal effect of evidenceState v. Scoggin, 72 S.E.2d 54 (1952)

More from Merriam-Webster on competency

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