competency
noun
com·pe·ten·cy
ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)-sē 
plural competencies
1
: competence: such as
a
: possession of sufficient knowledge or skill
Dr. Polidoro was cited for his outstanding contributions to the profession, his professional … competency … and dedication.—
Rhode Island
Rhode IslandAt length horrible doubts overtake him as to the captain's competency to navigate his ship.—Herman Melville
Herman Melville
b
: legal authority, ability, or admissibility
They evaluated the defendant's competency to stand trial.
2
: a specific area of competence
A "meister," or master, who works with the student at the jobsite will then be able to check off when an apprentice has achieved certain competencies.—Lynn Olson
Lynn OlsonI have always believed businesses that concentrate on a very few core competencies will do the best.—Bill Gates
Bill GatesWhen coming up with a list of different industries, positions, and professions to which your skills could transfer, the key is to think in terms of your core competencies.—John A. Challenger
John A. ChallengerExamples of competency in a Sentence
Critics have questioned the director's competency.
she's proved that she has the competency to run a major company
Recent Examples on the Web
But Padden rebutted that in her statement, noting that Galligan underwent two mental competency evaluations — one by the state Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health in 2024 and another by an independent psychiatrist in June.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 24 July 2025
While some haven’t been able to show a connection, others suggest dogs really are more likely to pick humans displaying traits such as generosity, competency, and niceness.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 21 July 2025
First, organizations must acknowledge that communication competency exists on multiple planes.
—Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
The dismissal followed recent legislative reforms, specifically Senate Bill 317, that bar courts from restoring competency in misdemeanor-only cases, even if the defendant shows signs of escalating behavior.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for competency
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Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 24 July 2025
While some haven’t been able to show a connection, others suggest dogs really are more likely to pick humans displaying traits such as generosity, competency, and niceness.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 21 July 2025
First, organizations must acknowledge that communication competency exists on multiple planes.
—Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
The dismissal followed recent legislative reforms, specifically Senate Bill 317, that bar courts from restoring competency in misdemeanor-only cases, even if the defendant shows signs of escalating behavior.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for competency
Cite this Entry
“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competency. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
competency
noun
com·pe·ten·cy
ˈkäm-pət-ən-sē
Medical Definition
Legal Definition
competency
noun
com·pe·ten·cy
ˈkäm-pə-tən-sē
1
: the quality or state of being mentally competent compare capacity, incompetence, insanity
2
: the quality or state of being legally qualified or adequate
the competency, quantum and legal effect of evidence—State v. Scoggin, 72 S.E.2d 54 (1952)
State v. Scoggin, 72 S.E.2d 54 (1952)Love words? Need even more definitions?
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