competence

noun

com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being competent: such as

a

: the quality or state of having sufficient knowledge, judgment, skill, or strength (as for a particular duty or in a particular respect)

No one denies her competence as a leader.

They have demonstrated their competence in their specialty or subspecialty by passing a comprehensive exam …

—Rachael Migler

b

law : legal authority, ability, or admissibility

a matter within the competence of a judge to adjudicate

c

: the knowledge that enables a person to speak and understand a language

has demonstrated competence in conversational Arabic

compare performance sense 6

d

biology : the ability to function or develop in a particular way: such as

(1)

embryology : the ability of embryonic cells and tissue to undergo differentiation in response to an organizer (see organizer sense 2)

(2)

microbiology : the capability of bacterial cells to take up exogenous DNA during genetic transformation

2

: a sufficiency of means for the necessities and conveniences of life

" … money can only give happiness where there is nothing else to give it. Beyond a competence, it can afford no real satisfaction … "

—Jane Austen

Synonyms

• ability
• capability
• capableness
• capacity
• competency
• faculty

Examples of competence in a Sentence

He trusts in the competence of his doctor.

questioned his competence to finish the task without help

Recent Examples on the Web

While no one can take your talent from you, being liked by your peers can carry you to places your competence never will. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024

Under Xi, the person added, the growing role of the state in China’s technology industry has emphasized ideology over competence, impeded pay and made access to officials pivotal. —Associated Press, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024

Our courage comes from our values and our competence (experience and training). —David Deane-Spread, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

The headmaster at the time, James Darling, was inspired by Outward Bound, a movement birthed in Europe before World War II that aimed to build competence and confidence. —Damien Cave, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024

While any good leader needs ambition and competence and luck, according to The Economist, energy separates the ones who stand out over time. —Nancy Napier, Idaho Statesman, 18 Feb. 2024

The court is producing very little work product, and issuing opinions that often undermine public confidence in the fairness and competence of the judiciary and elections alike. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2024

Kimmel’s signature style as an MC is unobtrusive competence, facilitating the flow of the night without becoming the main event. —Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024

Meanwhile, shrinking workforces and rising skill gaps intensify the competition for talent with analytical skills and data competence. —Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see competent

First Known Use

circa 1640, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

competence

noun

com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s 

1

: a supply (as of money or property) that is enough to provide for the necessities of life

2

: the quality or state of being competent

Medical Definition

competence

noun

com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being functionally adequate

assess the competence of the immune system

: as

a

: the properties of an embryonic field that enable it to respond in a characteristic manner to an organizer

b

: readiness of bacteria to undergo genetic transformation

Legal Definition

competence

noun

com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pə-təns 

: the quality or state of being competent: as

a

: possession of sufficient knowledge or skill

b

: legal authority, ability, or admissibility

a court of general competence

the competence of witnesses

challenge the competence of the evidence