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
Businesses that invest in cultural competency and localized strategies can turn these challenges into opportunities by building trust, fostering innovation and delivering tailored solutions.
—Aman Gupta, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
State experts will re-consider Dear’s competency after the new treatment.
—Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2025
The essence of successful leadership is the combination of these qualities: striving for excellence, demonstrating competency and maintaining humility.
—Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
That includes allowing certifications, past project reviews and client testimonials to take the place of a standardized test in providing an indication of a contractor’s competency.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competency
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Aman Gupta, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
State experts will re-consider Dear’s competency after the new treatment.
—Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2025
The essence of successful leadership is the combination of these qualities: striving for excellence, demonstrating competency and maintaining humility.
—Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
That includes allowing certifications, past project reviews and client testimonials to take the place of a standardized test in providing an indication of a contractor’s competency.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 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 13 Mar. 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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