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 Monthly
Rhode Island MonthlyAt 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
The judge in Marcovich's burglary case ordered a competency evaluation on Thursday.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 14 June 2026
The statement said Jones’ competency was later restored in 2025, and she was released to a supervised mental health treatment facility and enrolled in mental health court as part of a conditional release agreement.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026
Most formal leadership development frameworks incorrectly assume this as the final level of leadership competency.
—Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Bell said the federal evaluator in Chicago, where Brown has been held for competency observation and evaluation, determined Brown is not competent to stand trial at this time, but his prognosis for being restored to competency with medication is good.
—Andy Buck, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for competency
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Logan Smith, CBS News, 14 June 2026
The statement said Jones’ competency was later restored in 2025, and she was released to a supervised mental health treatment facility and enrolled in mental health court as part of a conditional release agreement.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026
Most formal leadership development frameworks incorrectly assume this as the final level of leadership competency.
—Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Bell said the federal evaluator in Chicago, where Brown has been held for competency observation and evaluation, determined Brown is not competent to stand trial at this time, but his prognosis for being restored to competency with medication is good.
—Andy Buck, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for competency
Cite this Entry
“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competency. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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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