competence

[kom-pi-tuhns] / ˈkɒm pɪ təns /

NOUN

ability

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appropriateness capability capacity competency expertise fitness know-how proficiency qualification savvy skill suitability

STRONG

adequacy makings might moxie

WEAK

cutting it cutting the mustard hacking it making the grade qualifiedness the goods the right stuff what it takes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignorance impotence inability inappropriateness incompetence ineptness lack

WEAK

inadequacy incapability inefficience

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But having a diploma on the wall is no guarantee of your lawyer’s competence or ethics.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

And then there’s a second issue, which I think might even be at least as important, which is the competence of the implementation.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

I don’t think voters would mind boring at all, if it was dolled up with credibility and competence.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

The crew handled the systems with competence and grace.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

At least that is what is supposed to happen, but you can always question the competence of the person who carried out the observation.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

Vocabulary lists containing competence

Astronauts

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"Ad Power," "Without Commercials," and "What's Wrong with Advertising"

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Boy: Tales of Childhood

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