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Synonyms

competency

American  
[kom-pi-tuhn-see] / ˈkɒm pɪ tən si /

noun

plural

competencies
  1. competence.


competency British  
/ ˈkɒmpɪtənsɪ /

noun

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

  2. a less common word for competence competence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • noncompetency noun

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

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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.

Many truckers quit the industry after the introduction of enhanced English proficiency tests, where highway inspectors check for language proficiency and highway traffic sign competency.

From Los Angeles Times

At the heart of this new kind of career progression lies a reprioritization of demonstrated competency over tenure.

From The Wall Street Journal

A final competency hearing will be set for early 2026 with prosecutors requesting a trial date for October next year, the court heard.

From BBC

Chesney said upon the completion of his staff in mid-January 2024 that he was seeking “competency, connection and chemistry” in his coaches.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From The Wall Street Journal