competency
noun
com·pe·ten·cy
ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)-sē 
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
Rhode IslandAt length horrible doubts overtake him as to the captain's competency to navigate his ship.—Herman Melville
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
Lynn OlsonI have always believed businesses that concentrate on a very few core competencies will do the best.—Bill Gates
Bill GatesWhen 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
John A. ChallengerExamples 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
Professionals also must prove knowledge and competency by passing an exam, completing experience hours and meeting ongoing ethics and continuing education standards.
—Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,kelli Grant, Cfp®, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Peloton is moving beyond its core competency of cardio fitness to embrace the red-hot wellness space.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
He was declared mentally incompetent earlier this month by Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Patrick Dinkelacker after more than a year of efforts to restore his competency.
—Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2025
The program employs court liaisons who are experts in working with defendants in the competency process and who aim to connect such defendants to care and resources.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competency
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.
Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea,kelli Grant, Cfp®, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Peloton is moving beyond its core competency of cardio fitness to embrace the red-hot wellness space.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
He was declared mentally incompetent earlier this month by Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Patrick Dinkelacker after more than a year of efforts to restore his competency.
—Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2025
The program employs court liaisons who are experts in working with defendants in the competency process and who aim to connect such defendants to care and resources.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competency
Cite this Entry
“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competency. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
competency
noun
com·pe·ten·cy
ˈkäm-pət-ən-sē
Medical Definition
Legal Definition
competency
noun
com·pe·ten·cy
ˈkäm-pə-tən-sē
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 evidence—State v. Scoggin, 72 S.E.2d 54 (1952)
State v. Scoggin, 72 S.E.2d 54 (1952)Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share