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 Terrill was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and was ordered to undergo a competency exam. Peter Hermann, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024 As per the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a crucial competency for professional coaches is effective communication, encompassing the ability to evoke awareness. Andrea Wanerstrand, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 In December, Atascadero State Hospital doctors determined Reales Dominguez had been restored to mental competency. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2024 Each section targets specific competencies through a blend of question types, reflecting the real-world complexity and diversity of the accounting field. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 As the case was pending for more than two years, Robinson’s mental competency was a constant question. Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 Roberts was ordered to receive mental health treatment as part of a competency restoration program he was required to participate in, according to court records. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Feb. 2024 In the more than two years between Stroman’s arrest and the trial, his case was delayed when he was briefly found mentally incompetent to stand trial, but criminal proceedings resumed after his competency was deemed restored, court records show. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2024 Conducive to this are HR practices that allow people to be specialists, not generalists, for example annual appraisals that aren’t overly rigid on precise competencies and allow for overall contribution to be personalized. Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'competency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near competency

Cite this Entry

“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competency. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!