C1noun 2K

Competence

UK /["/ˈkɒmpɪtəns/"]/ US /["/ˈkɑːmpɪtəns/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

the ability to do something well

Listen to definition

Examples

• Her competence in multiple languages impresses her colleagues.
• The job requires a high level of competence in computer programming.
• Competence is essential for success in any professional field.
• He demonstrated his competence through a series of successful projects.
• The teacher assessed the students' competence in mathematical skills.

Usage notes

Use 'competence' in contexts such as job skills or educational achievements. Avoid in very casual conversations; prefer 'skill' or 'ability' instead.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'compete' and how you need competence to win.

Collocations

• great
• basic
• academic
• have
• demonstrate
• display
• beyond somebody’s competence
• within somebody’s competence
• competence as
• a level of competence
• a standard of competence
• formal
• exclusive
• have
• outside somebody/​something’s competence
• within somebody/​something’s competence
• an area of competence

Synonyms

• skill
• ability
• proficiency
• capability
• expertise

Antonyms

• incompetence
• ineptitude

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'competency'; both refer to abilities but 'competence' is broader.
• Misused as a verb; 'competence' is always a noun.
• Spelling errors, especially with the second 'e'.