competency
Americannoun
noun
-
law capacity to testify in a court of law; eligibility to be sworn
-
a less common word for competence competence
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of competency
First recorded in 1585–95; from Middle French, from Medieval Latin competentia “expertise, suitability,” in Latin: “agreement, proportion, symmetry,” equivalent to competent + -cy
Compare meaning
How does competency compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
If you have competency in something, you're well-qualified to do it, whether that's baseball, business management, or underwater basket weaving. Competency means "capability." Although we use it to mean someone has a sufficient qualification, it comes from the word compete, meaning that someone with competency is good enough to compete with other candidates. If you pass the medical board exams, then you have medical competency. Most jobs require that you show competency, either through certification, or on-the-job performance. If you keep faking injuries to get out of saving people, someone will eventually question your competency as a lifeguard.
Vocabulary lists containing competency
"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 9
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Building Design and Construction Handbook," Vocabulary from Section 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"CLEP Principles of Management," Vocabulary from Chapter 7
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Another letter says staff must undergo mandatory “cultural competency training that focuses on residents who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
The results clearly pointed to writers walking away with greater feelings of satisfaction and competency, as well as a more meaningful connection to their output, when they worked through the craft without A.I. assistance.
From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026
The calls were recorded last year while he was being treated for four months in a mental health unit at a federal prison in North Carolina to see if he could regain competency.
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
In the absence of ethnic studies, groups like Radical Monarchs help bridge the lack of racial diversity and cultural competency in schools.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
The core competency there is speed and accuracy,” explained Glocer.
From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
