competence
KOM-puh-tuhns
Competence (noun) means the skill and ability needed to do something well. Example: “His competence in the kitchen impressed even the head chef.”
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."
"The new nurse showed great competence when handling the emergency on her first night."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- competences
Fill the gap
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His _____ in the kitchen impressed even the head chef.
Etymology
From Middle French compétence, from Latin competentia, related to competere, "to be fit or capable."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for competence
See all rhymes for competence →Frequently asked questions
What does “competence” mean?
The word “competence” means the skill and ability needed to do something well. In plain terms, being genuinely good enough at something — having the skill it takes.
How do you pronounce “competence”?
“Competence” is pronounced KOM-puh-tuhns (/ˈkɑm.pə.təns/ in IPA).
How do you use “competence” in a sentence?
Here is “competence” used in a sentence: “His competence in the kitchen impressed even the head chef.”
What is another word for “competence”?
Words with a similar meaning to “competence” include ability, competency, nous, savoir-faire, knack and aptitude.
What is the opposite of “competence”?
The opposite of “competence” — its antonyms — are inability, ineptitude and incompetence.
What part of speech is “competence”?
“Competence” is a noun.
Where does the word “competence” come from?
The word “competence” comes from Latin. From Middle French compétence, from Latin competentia, related to competere, "to be fit or capable.".
Is “competence” a common word?
“Competence” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between competence and competency?
Competence and competency are largely interchangeable and both refer to the skill and ability needed to do something well, though competency is often used in professional or human-resources contexts to describe a specific measurable skill. Competence is more commonly used as a general, uncountable quality.
What is the difference between competence and expertise?
Competence means having the skill and ability needed to perform a task well, while expertise implies a higher, specialized level of mastery built through extensive experience or training. A person can be competent at a job without being an expert in it.
What is the difference between competence and confidence?
Competence refers to actual skill and ability, whereas confidence refers to a person's belief in their own abilities, which may or may not match their real competence. Someone can be highly competent yet lack confidence, or confident without the underlying skill.
