competency

[kom-pi-tuhn-see]

noun

plural

competencies 

1. competence.

competency

/ ˈkɒmpɪtənsɪ /

noun

1. law capacity to testify in a court of law; eligibility to be sworn

2. a less common word for competence competence

Other Word Forms

• noncompetency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of competency¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Middle French, from Medieval Latin competentia “expertise, suitability,” in Latin: “agreement, proportion, symmetry,” equivalent to competent + -cy

Example Sentences

At a time when competency in government is questioned, the Library of Congress remains a supreme achievement of intellectual institution-building in the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In such cases, babies and children were taken away after parental competency tests - known in Denmark as FKUs - were used to help assess whether they were fit to be parents.

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It supports cultural competency through translation and interpreting services, culturally and linguistically inclusive services and bilingual bonuses for employees.

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Maurice Jewel Taylor Sr. made a court appearance before a judge suspended proceedings until a mental competency hearing.

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"We have to grow strong on vehicles, on ammunition, we have to have our own satellite competencies. We do much more on the electronics and artificial intelligence... than ever before," he said.

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Related Words

• aptitude 
• capability 
• competence 
• expertise 
• proficiency 
• skill