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
Millrose will now be responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering finished lots to Lennar on a just-in-time basis, allowing Lennar to focus on its core competency i.e. home construction, while significantly reducing capital intensity and balance sheet risk.
—Joe Cornell, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
United’s short- to medium-term objectives need to focus on competency.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Many frameworks emphasize technical skill sets or behavioral competencies.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
After years of court filings, including competency evaluations, defense lawyer Aaron Koonce’s bid for a mental health placement for Whittenburg was denied in October.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for competency
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joe Cornell, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
United’s short- to medium-term objectives need to focus on competency.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Many frameworks emphasize technical skill sets or behavioral competencies.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
After years of court filings, including competency evaluations, defense lawyer Aaron Koonce’s bid for a mental health placement for Whittenburg was denied in October.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 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 4 Jun. 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?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share