Cool MateAbility vs Competence
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Ability | Competence | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The skill to do something. | the ability to do something well |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Usage notes | Use 'ability' in contexts where referring to someone's skills or talents. Avoid it in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'skill' may be more appropriate. | Use 'competence' in contexts such as job skills or educational achievements. Avoid in very casual conversations; prefer 'skill' or 'ability' instead. |
Frequently asked questions: Ability vs Competence
What's the difference between "Ability" and "Competence"?
"Ability" means: The skill to do something. "Competence" means: the ability to do something well
When should I use "Ability" and "Competence"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Ability" and "Competence" the same CEFR level?
"Ability" is at A2, "Competence" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.