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competence

/ˈkɑmpədəns/
/ˈkɒmpɪtɪns/
IPA guide

Other forms: competences

If you have competence, you're qualified or well prepared to do something. A driving test will show if you have competence behind the wheel.

If your dad discovers a new dent in his car each time you've borrowed it, don't be surprised if he questions your competence as a driver. The words competence and competency are sometimes used interchangeably, although competence is better when describing the quality of being well qualified. Competency is more appropriate in a legal sense, referring to the ability of a person to make decisions or stand trial.

Definitions of competence
  1. noun
    the quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually
    synonyms: competency
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    incompetence
    lack of physical or intellectual ability or qualifications
    types:
    fitness
    the quality of being qualified
    linguistic competence
    (linguistics) a speaker's implicit, internalized knowledge of the rules of their language (contrasted with linguistic performance)
    proficiency
    the quality of having great facility and competence
    type of:
    ability
    the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
Pronunciation
US
/ˈkɑmpədəns/
UK
/ˈkɒmpɪtɪns/
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