competency
KOM-pi-tuhn-see
/ˈkɒmpɪtənsi/
The ability to do something successfully or efficiently; a specific skill or quality.
In HR, 'competencies' are often broken down into 'hard skills' (technical) and 'soft skills' (behavioral).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'competere', which meant 'to fall together' or 'to be suitable'. It originally meant that your skills 'met' the requirements of the task.
Word relationships
- proficiency: Proficiency is a high level of skill; competency is the ability to meet a required standard.
- capability: Capability is the potential to do something; competency is the proven ability.
- incompetence: The lack of ability to do something successfully.
Commonly confused with
- skill: A skill is a specific task you can do; a competency is a broader cluster of related skills and behaviors.
Word family
- competent (adj): Having the necessary ability or knowledge.
- compete (verb): To strive to gain or win something (related root).
Collocations
- core competency
- competency-based interview
- technical competency
Example sentences
- "The ideal candidate will demonstrate core competency in data analysis and strategic planning." Job Description
- "The curriculum is designed to build cultural competency among students before they study abroad." Education
Memory hook
To be competent, you must 'compete' at a high level. Competency = Can do it well.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean just 'okay' at something; in a professional context, it implies a high standard of mastery.
Fun facts
- In legal terms, 'competency' refers to a person's mental ability to stand trial or sign a contract.
Explore more words
proficient, expertise, implementation, efficacy, savvy, effective
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