noun
competence
KOM-puh-tuhns
noun
1
The skill and ability needed to do something well.
"His competence in the kitchen impressed even the head chef."
"The training program is designed to build competence in new hires."
How to Use Competence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing genuinely good enough at something — having the skill it takes.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
professional competence
level of competence
demonstrate competence
Word Forms
competences plural
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Etymology
From Middle French compétence, from Latin competentia, related to competere, "to be fit or capable."