Words / B2

KOMP-it-uh-ns/ˈkɒmpɪtəns/

Competence is the ability to do something well: competence in English, a level of competence. Ability is everyday and broader; skill is closer for a trained capacity; proficiency is a close exam-word cousin. Competent is the adjective; incompetence is the opposite. In speech, being able to do it well is enough. Competence is a solid standard, not brilliance — do not use it as faint praise for a genius or as a synonym for genius.

Meaning

The ability to do something well.

Examples

• “The job needs competence in English.”
• “The job needs competence in British English, not a literature degree.”
• “Her competence with the software saved the department a training bill.”

Good to know

Ability to do it well. Adjective: competent. Everyday: ability / skill. Close: proficiency. Opposite: incompetence. Not brilliance.

Near in meaning

proficiency

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