competencecom·pe·tence /ˈkɒmpətənsˈkɑːm-/ noun1[uncountableU] (also competency) the ability or skill to do something well or to a satisfactory standardTo remain in the guild, members must maintain their standards of professional competence.
Part of the job requirement is that the candidate has competence in English.
2[countableC, uncountableU] (also competency)HUMAN RESOURCES a skill that you need to do a particular jobshort residential courses designed to develop specific management competences
→ core competence3[singular] British EnglishBrELAW the official authority of a court to hear a legal caseSYN JURISDICTIONThe Court of Appeal possesses the competence to set aside convictions.
4[uncountableU]LAW when someone is old enough, well enough, or intelligent enough to make decisions, appear in a court of law, sign a legal document etcMany children’s solicitors found it difficult to determine the child’s competence to give instructions.