Definition of COMPETENCY (original) (raw)
1
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
At length horrible doubts overtake him as to the captain's competency to navigate his ship.—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
I have always believed businesses that concentrate on a very few core competencies will do the best.—Bill Gates
When 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
Synonyms
Examples 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 Developing these competencies should stand atop any leader's agenda. —Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 The automaker went on a hiring spree, luring design and engineering talent away from the likes of BMW and Audi to grow its own competency in these areas. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 6 Sep. 2024 Lee Trone and Tremont Jones will both be sentenced on Aug. 27, and the teenager is scheduled for a mental competency proceeding on Aug. 28. —Bruce Haring, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2024 In view of the considerable positive impact of cost counseling on alleviating patients’ cost burdens, strengthening patient trust, and even improving outcomes, medical schools ought to recognize that training students in these competencies is integral to developing better physicians for tomorrow. —Henry Bair, STAT, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for competency 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'competency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of competency was in 1600
Dictionary Entries Near competency
Cite this Entry
“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competency. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
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Last Updated: 18 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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