Competence

Quick meaning: Competence is a noun meaning (uncountable) The quality or state of being competent, i.e. able or suitable for a general role.

Meaning

(uncountable) The quality or state of being competent, i.e. able or suitable for a general role.

More Meanings

1. (countable, law, politics) the legal authority to deal with a matter.
2. (geology) The degree to which a rock is resistant to deformation or flow.
3. (countable) The quality or state of being able or suitable for a particular task; the quality or state of being competent for a particular task or skill.
4. (linguistics) The system of linguistic knowledge possessed by native speakers of a language, as opposed to its actual use in concrete situations (performance), cf. linguistic competence.
5. (dated) A sustainable income.

Example Sentences

Teachers are now required to teach intercultural communicative competence.

Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, / Lie in three words — health, peace, and competence.

The bill was denied royal assent because the Scottish Parliament does not have legislative competence on the bill's matter.

“money can only give happiness where there is nothing else to give it. Beyond a competence, it can afford no real satisfaction, as far as mere self is concerned.”

Word Forms

• competences

Synonyms for competence

Depending on context, synonyms include ability, competency, nous, savoir-faire, knack, aptitude.

Antonyms for competence

Common opposites include inability, ineptitude, incompetence, incompetency.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include competency, competent, capable, able, proficiency, skill.

Related Dictionary Tools