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
Rhode Island MonthlyAt 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
Unfortunately, writer-director John Patton Ford has little feel for the American class system, no discernible talent for writing good dialogue, and minimal competency with directing actors.
—Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
Namken's maturity Namken's explosive offensive night overshadows his competency as a catcher.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
But according to statements in court, that will be postponed given that Bryant will undergo another competency hearing, and a follow-up pretrial will take place on May 27.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
According to the news release, all of the produce was brought in by Food 4 Thought and sourced from small California farms, reinforcing the district’s Global Citizen competency and commitment to environmental responsibility.
—Del Mar Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for competency
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Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
Namken's maturity Namken's explosive offensive night overshadows his competency as a catcher.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
But according to statements in court, that will be postponed given that Bryant will undergo another competency hearing, and a follow-up pretrial will take place on May 27.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
According to the news release, all of the produce was brought in by Food 4 Thought and sourced from small California farms, reinforcing the district’s Global Citizen competency and commitment to environmental responsibility.
—Del Mar Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for competency
Cite this Entry
“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competency. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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?
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