competence
C1Formal / Academic / Professional
Definition
Meaning
The ability to do something well, to a necessary standard; the skill and knowledge to perform a specific task or job effectively.
The legal authority of a court or official to deal with a particular matter; the sphere of activity in which one is capable or proficient.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Competence" implies a sufficiency of ability to meet a specific, often defined, standard. It suggests adequacy rather than excellence, which is more the domain of "expertise." It is a gradable noun (e.g., developing competence, high competence). The related adjective "competent" is more common in everyday language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'competence' is the standard spelling. In American English, 'competence' is predominant, though the variant spelling 'competency' is also common, particularly in HR contexts to refer to a specific skill. The plural 'competencies' is widely used in AmE corporate jargon.
Connotations
In UK professional contexts (e.g., teaching, healthcare), 'competence' often relates to meeting minimum standards (as in 'competence frameworks'). In US corporate HR, 'competency/competencies' can carry a more strategic, model-building connotation for talent management.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, largely due to its heavy use in business, management, and legal texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
competence in (+ noun/gerund)competence to (+ infinitive)competence as (+ noun)competence for (+ noun/gerund)competence on/upon (a subject/area)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Within one's competence”
- “Outside one's competence”
- “Rise to a level of competence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the core skills and knowledge required for a job role, often detailed in a 'competency framework' used for hiring and appraisal.
Academic
Used in linguistics (Chomsky's 'linguistic competence'), education (assessing student competence), and professional training (clinical competence in medicine).
Everyday
Less frequent; often replaced by 'skill' or 'ability'. Might be used formally: 'I doubt his competence to fix the car.'
Technical
In law, the jurisdiction or legal authority of a court (e.g., 'the court's competence to hear the case'). In biology, the ability of a cell to take up DNA.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The course aims to competence trainees in safety procedures.
- (Note: Extremely rare/awkward; 'to make competent' or 'train' is preferred)
American English
- The program competencies employees in new software. (Jargonistic HR usage)
adverb
British English
- The task was competently executed.
American English
- She handled the complaint competently and calmly.
adjective
British English
- She is a highly competent manager.
American English
- He gave a competent, if uninspiring, performance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher checks our reading competence.
- For this job, you need competence in using a computer.
- The training programme significantly improved her technical competence in the laboratory.
- The court's competence to adjudicate on matters of international law was firmly established by the treaty.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMPetent ENTErprise: a company needs COMPETENCE to ENTER and succeed in the market.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETENCE IS A CONTAINER (One can have a lot of or little competence). COMPETENCE IS A MEASURABLE QUANTITY (levels of competence). COMPETENCE IS A FOUNDATION (for further development or success).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'компетенция', which in Russian often refers to a specific 'area of responsibility or authority'. English 'competence' is about *ability*, not the *scope* of a job. Use 'terms of reference', 'remit', or 'purview' for the latter.
- Do not directly translate 'компетентный орган' as 'competent authority'. While this is a correct legal term, in other contexts 'relevant authority' or 'responsible body' is more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'competence' as a countable noun in general contexts (e.g., 'He has many competences'). Prefer 'skills' or use 'competencies' only in specific HR contexts.
- Confusing 'competence' (ability) with 'competition' (rivalry).
- Overusing the noun where the adjective 'competent' would be more natural (e.g., 'She showed competence' vs. 'She was competent').
Practice
Quiz
In a business HR context, which term is most likely to refer to a set of defined skills and behaviours for a role?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, they are largely synonymous. However, 'competency' is often preferred in American HR jargon as a countable noun for a specific skill (e.g., 'leadership competency'), while 'competence' is the uncountable noun referring to the general state of being capable.
It is neutral-to-positive, but it often implies meeting a satisfactory standard rather than excelling. 'High competence' is positive, but simply 'competence' can sometimes suggest mere adequacy.
No, it's unidiomatic. Use 'competence in' (a field), 'competence at' (an activity), or 'competence with' (a tool).
A term coined by Noam Chomsky referring to a speaker's innate, subconscious knowledge of the rules and structure of their language, as opposed to 'performance', which is the actual use of language in real situations.
Collections
Part of a collection
Leadership and Management
B2 · 46 words · Language for leading teams and managing organizations.
Advanced Communication
C1 · 47 words · Sophisticated language for professional communication.