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. ChallengerSynonyms
Examples 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
The curriculum aligns with the nine core competencies outlined by the CSWE and provides students with skills that are transferable to different settings, population groups and problem areas, the release said.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
To improve the use of AI and contribute to broader organizational initiatives, HR must invest in its own data and technology competencies in 2025.
Controlling Labor Costs
Organizations' shift to deprioritizing recruitment may be explained, in part, by the need to control costs.
—Jennifer Rozon, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Another critical area of reform is the need for cultural competency within the child welfare workforce.
—Jumara Perry, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2025
While SpaceX's competency with reusing Falcon 9 boosters gets a lot of attention—landing a rocket is still incredible, even after seeing it nearly 400 times—the high-rate manufacturing of Falcon 9 upper stages is the secret MVP.
—Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for competency 
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Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
To improve the use of AI and contribute to broader organizational initiatives, HR must invest in its own data and technology competencies in 2025.
Controlling Labor Costs
Organizations' shift to deprioritizing recruitment may be explained, in part, by the need to control costs.
—Jennifer Rozon, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Another critical area of reform is the need for cultural competency within the child welfare workforce.
—Jumara Perry, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2025
While SpaceX's competency with reusing Falcon 9 boosters gets a lot of attention—landing a rocket is still incredible, even after seeing it nearly 400 times—the high-rate manufacturing of Falcon 9 upper stages is the secret MVP.
—Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for competency
Dictionary Entries Near competency
Cite this Entry
“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competency. Accessed 31 Jan. 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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