Synonyms of competence

competence

noun

ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s 

as in ability

the physical or mental power to do something

questioned his competence to finish the task without help

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ability
• capacity
• capability
• competency
• aptitude
• talent
• faculty
• skill
• capableness
• reason
• equipment
• instinct
• knack
• gift
• facility
• prowess
• understanding
• intelligence
• dexterity
• resourcefulness
• endowment
• usefulness
• address
• influence
• resources
• adequacy
• effectiveness
• potency
• aptness
• fitness
• gray matter
• adroitness
• deftness
• means
• might
• staying power
• ken
• hand
• stuff
• wherewithal
• puissance
• effectualness
• form

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incompetence
• disability
• incompetency
• incapacity
• inability
• ineptitude
• ineptness
• incapability
• paralysis
• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• deficiency
• powerlessness
• inadequacy
• ineffectiveness
• impairment
• defectiveness
• uselessness
• inefficacy
• ineffectuality
• incapableness
• incapacitation
• ineffectualness
• disablement
• debilitation
• inadequateness
• inefficaciousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of competence

Second-year head coach Aaron Glenn is in desperate need of competence at all positions after a 3-14 rookie campaign. — Nbc Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

Because in The Swamp, competence has never been the standard. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Ramirez must battle for the primary DH job or show enough competence defensively at first base to compete to start at that position. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

The generation with the most to lose The clearest evidence that confidence and competence are drifting apart shows up in the generational data. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026