ENGLISH
REFERENCE

competency

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈkɑmpətɪnsi// UK //kˈɒmpɪtənsi// com·pe·ten·cy Archaic

n. the ability to do a job or a task successfully. It is often used in work or school to describe a specific skill you have mastered.

n. the ability to perform a specific task or role to a defined standard. Often used in professional or educational contexts to describe measurable skills or knowledge areas.


SIMPLE

The job requires a high level of technical competency.

CONTEXTUAL

The new training program focuses on core competency development to ensure all staff can handle emergency procedures.

COMPLEX

While the candidate possessed the necessary academic qualifications, the interview panel questioned his cultural competency regarding the diverse needs of the local community.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Late Latin competentia. Doublet of competence.

Usage

Often used in the plural ('competencies') when referring to a specific set of professional skills.

Pitfall

his competency of Englishhis competency in EnglishWhen referring to a field or language, competency usually takes the preposition 'in' rather than 'of'.

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