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
Rhode IslandAt length horrible doubts overtake him as to the captain's competency to navigate his ship.—Herman Melville
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
Lynn OlsonI have always believed businesses that concentrate on a very few core competencies will do the best.—Bill Gates
Bill GatesWhen 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
John A. ChallengerExamples 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
Secondarily, maintaining the Board’s focus on organizational transparency and fiscal responsibility is equally as important as focusing the District on its core competencies.
—Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
His bail was revoked, and he was ordered to undergo a competency evaluation.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The top level, consisting of developed countries, large enterprises, multinational corporations, and high-income citizens, has the most readiness in terms of capital and
competency.
—Piyachart Isarabhakdee, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
After Recent Hospitalization In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE on March 27, Monterrosa elaborated on Williams’ hopes for the future, which include letting a jury determine if the guardianship should be terminated following additional mental competency testing.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competency
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Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
His bail was revoked, and he was ordered to undergo a competency evaluation.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The top level, consisting of developed countries, large enterprises, multinational corporations, and high-income citizens, has the most readiness in terms of capital and
competency.
—Piyachart Isarabhakdee, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
After Recent Hospitalization In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE on March 27, Monterrosa elaborated on Williams’ hopes for the future, which include letting a jury determine if the guardianship should be terminated following additional mental competency testing.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competency
Cite this Entry
“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competency. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
competency
noun
com·pe·ten·cy
ˈkäm-pət-ən-sē
Medical Definition
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)
State v. Scoggin, 72 S.E.2d 54 (1952)Love words? Need even more definitions?
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