noun
competency
KOM-puh-tuhn-see
noun
1
The ability or skill needed to perform a particular task; near-identical to competence.
"Leadership is one of the core competencies the company looks for."
How to Use Competency
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBasically the same as competence, but often used specifically for a defined skill on a list.
Common mistake
In everyday writing, "competence" and "competency" are interchangeable, though "competency" is more common in HR and business jargon (e.g. "core competencies").
Easily confused with
Common pairings
core competency
competency framework
Word Forms
competencies plural
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Etymology
From Late Latin competentia, a doublet of competence.
Rhymes for competency
agency
urgency
potency
decency
regency
currency
tendency
clemency
leniency
frequency
emergency
residency
See all rhymes for competency →