competence

noun

com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s How to pronounce competence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being competent: such as
a
: the quality or state of having sufficient knowledge, judgment, skill, or strength (as for a particular duty or in a particular respect)
No one denies her competence as a leader.
They have demonstrated their competence in their specialty or subspecialty by passing a comprehensive exam …Rachael Migler
b
law : legal authority, ability, or admissibility
a matter within the competence of a judge to adjudicate
c
: the knowledge that enables a person to speak and understand a language
has demonstrated competence in conversational Arabic
compare performance sense 6
d
biology : the ability to function or develop in a particular way: such as
(1)
embryology : the ability of embryonic cells and tissue to undergo differentiation in response to an organizer (see organizer sense 2)
(2)
microbiology : the capability of bacterial cells to take up exogenous DNA during genetic transformation
2
: a sufficiency of means for the necessities and conveniences of life
" … money can only give happiness where there is nothing else to give it. Beyond a competence, it can afford no real satisfaction … "Jane Austen

Examples of competence in a Sentence

He trusts in the competence of his doctor. questioned his competence to finish the task without help
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In the 1970s, psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan developed the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which argued that humans have three basic psychological needs—competence, autonomy and relatedness. Akin Akinpelu, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The former president has put the border and immigration, the state of the American economy, and Harris's competence, among other issues, at the forefront of his campaign alongside his Republican running mate, Ohio's Senator J.D. Vance. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 Paddy Ross, an associate professor at Durham University, conducted a study on 160 people to evaluate the trustworthiness and competence of a videoconference user based on their virtual background. thehustle.co, 1 Nov. 2024 Davis stresses that character, knowledge, and competence are three critical elements in leading the team toward success. William Mullane, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for competence 

Word History

Etymology

see competent

First Known Use

circa 1640, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of competence was circa 1640

Dictionary Entries Near competence

Cite this Entry

“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competence. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

competence

noun
com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce competence (audio)
1
: a supply (as of money or property) that is enough to provide for the necessities of life
2
: the quality or state of being competent

Medical Definition

competence

noun
com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pət-ən(t)s How to pronounce competence (audio)
: the quality or state of being functionally adequate
assess the competence of the immune system
: as
a
: the properties of an embryonic field that enable it to respond in a characteristic manner to an organizer
b
: readiness of bacteria to undergo genetic transformation

Legal Definition

competence

noun
com·​pe·​tence ˈkäm-pə-təns How to pronounce competence (audio)
: the quality or state of being competent: as
a
: possession of sufficient knowledge or skill
b
: legal authority, ability, or admissibility
a court of general competence
the competence of witnesses
challenge the competence of the evidence

More from Merriam-Webster on competence

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