as in ability
the physical or mental power to do something
she's proved that she has the competency to run a major company
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of competency
Delcy, a lifelong ideologue, earned a reputation for ruthlessness and competency, running Maduro’s foreign ministry and later managing both the economy and the country’s oil industry.
—
Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
The process can include a mix of technical questions, behavioral assessments, and case studies, all designed to evaluate both technical competency and cultural fit.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Jan. 2026
Many truckers quit the industry after the introduction of enhanced English proficiency tests, where highway inspectors check for language proficiency and highway traffic sign competency.
—Nilesh Christopher Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
During that hearing, the judge referred Davis to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry for an evaluation of his competency to stand trial.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competency
Noun
-
He was asked to be the signal-caller, and that responsibility seemed to hinder his ability to read and react.—
-
The designer, who holds certifications in accessible design, says the triangle’s goal of removing obstructions resonates with today’s emphasis on safe accessibility for kitchen users of all ages and abilities.—
Noun
-
Their 14,700-capacity stadium has plenty of old-school charm but badly needs modernisation.—
-
The system’s ability to seamlessly coordinate with these diverse assets demonstrated its capacity for intelligent, integrated mission solutioning, according to a press release.—
Noun
-
Four major data centers are coming to southern Michigan as major companies are ramping up their artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other digital capabilities.—
-
This demands extremely fast detection, early warning, and emergency response – key capabilities for modern military and civil defense forces.—
Noun
-
The Blue Jackets lost the lead in the third period, but the great erosion of confidence and competence started in the second.—
-
At one time, Americans learned to base government hiring on merit, competence and experience, not loyalty to one person.—
Cite this Entry
“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competency. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share