Word
competence
Competence is the ability to do something well to an acceptable standard.
Meanings
the ability to do something well enough, based on skill, knowledge, and experience
the qualities and skills needed to do a particular job or task successfully
the legal or official authority to deal with a matter (often used in formal contexts)
Definition
Competence is the knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to perform a task effectively. It often refers to meeting professional or practical standards in a role. People can build competence through training, feedback, and experience. It can describe both specific abilities and overall capability.
Examples
- The hiring panel was convinced of her competence after she explained how she handled complex projects under pressure.
- I questioned my competence at first, but the consistent feedback helped me see real progress over time.
- Their competence showed in the way they coordinated across teams without confusion or duplicated work.
- If you want to demonstrate your competence, focus on outcomes and be ready to justify your decisions calmly.
- His competence as a mentor came through when he broke down difficult concepts into clear, manageable steps.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse competence (ability) with competition (a contest) because the words look similar.
More at C1 level
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