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 Monthly

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

Synonyms of competency

• ability
• capacity
• capability
• competence

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

Once considered superficial next to financial advice and tax planning, services for health and wellness, family and kids, and travel and self-improvement are becoming core competencies in the business of advising and helping wealthy families. —Robert Frank, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025

Companies that build these competencies first will have sustainable advantages in innovation speed and quality. —François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

In 2016, the state and the group settled a lawsuit over a backlog in criminal competency cases, though Disability Law Colorado later accused the state of breaching the agreement. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025

Meanwhile, Madrid’s official complaints to the Spanish government’s Higher Sports Council, alleging that La Liga did not have the competency to organise the Miami game within official regulations, sought to raise the possibility of Tebas being suspended from his position. —Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see competent

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for competency

• incompetency

Kids Definition

competency

noun

com·​pe·​ten·​cy ˈkäm-pət-ən-sē 

: competence

Medical Definition

competency

noun

com·​pe·​ten·​cy -ən-sē 

plural competencies

: competence

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)