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

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

Synonyms

• ability
• capability
• capableness
• capacity
• competence
• faculty

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

The technical skills that were cutting-edge six months ago are now baseline requirements, while entirely new competencies emerge almost weekly. —Bernard Marr, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

That came after a hearing on Yang's mental competency, with the judge ruling Yang is competent to stand trial, according to online court records. —Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024

In the wake of COVID-19, the surrounding aesthetics of outdoor recreation are reframed as a luxury where access is mediated by what can be purchased—gear, travel, time—or signaled, through a kind of cultural literacy tied to competency and affluence. —Essence, 25 Nov. 2024

The key is to evaluate innovations through the lens of your core competencies and values. —Dan Gamble, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see competent

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

competency

noun

com·​pe·​ten·​cy ˈkäm-pət-ən-sē 

: competence

Medical Definition

competency

noun

com·​pe·​ten·​cy -ən-sē 

plural competencies

: competence

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)