Synonyms of competency

competency

noun

ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)-sē 

as in ability

the physical or mental power to do something

she's proved that she has the competency to run a major company

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of competency

Experts advocate for a radical redesign, urging boards to prioritize genuine governance competencies and continuous impact measurement, moving away from outdated models that hinder vital community services. — Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Dominguez’s criminal proceedings were suspended for months before that first trial while he was ordered to a state hospital to regain competency to stand trial. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Rankin’s attorney sought a competency evaluation, citing what the attorney described as serious mental health issues. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, will undergo a competency evaluation after a Loudoun County judge granted his attorney’s motion at a brief hearing Thursday morning. — Adam Kilgore, New York Times, 30 July 2026