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.

Bezos attended that screening, which many of us saw as tacit acknowledgment that he was taking her lessons in character, comportment and competence to heart.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

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

The crew handled the systems with competence and grace.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

You were your own judge of competence, and as soon as you felt you were ready to go, off you jolly well went.

From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!