Competent vs. Competence — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
"Competent" is an adjective describing someone who has the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully, while "competence" is a noun referring to the ability to do something well or effectively.
Difference Between Competent and Competence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Competent" is used to directly describe individuals, groups, or entities that demonstrate the ability and skill required for specific tasks or roles. On the other hand, "competence" refers to the general quality or state of being well-equipped intellectually or physically to handle tasks.
When assessing performance, one might say a person is "competent," which suggests they meet the necessary standards; however, discussing their "competence" involves a broader evaluation of their skills and abilities across various tasks.
While "competent" serves as a qualifier for subjects in sentences, "competence" is used as an object or subject in discussions about capability and expertise.
The distinction also lies in usage: "competent" modifies nouns directly (e.g., a competent mechanic), whereas "competence" encapsulates a concept or level of proficiency (e.g., mechanical competence).
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
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Definition
Having the necessary ability or skill
The ability or skill to do something successfully
Context of Use
Describes individuals or entities
Discusses qualities or abilities
Example
He is a competent surgeon.
His competence in surgery is well-known.
Focus
On being adequately skilled
On the level or state of skill
Compare with Definitions
Competent
Having sufficient skill, knowledge, or judgment.
They are competent to make the decision.
Competence
State of being adequate for a purpose.
The tool's competence for the job was proven.
Competent
Skillful enough to meet necessary standards.
He proved competent at the task.
Competence
Legal capability to perform a task.
Questioning his competence to lead the project.
Competent
Legally fit or qualified.
The witness was deemed competent to testify.
Competence
A range of skill or ability.
His broad competence covers several engineering fields.
Competent
Adequately qualified or capable.
She is competent in her role as a manager.
Competence
Demonstrated ability in a specific field.
They assessed her competence during the review.
Competent
Effective and efficient in performance.
They offer a competent service.
Competence
The ability to do something well or efficiently.
Competent
Properly or sufficiently qualified; capable
A competent typist.
Competence
A range of skill or ability
A task beyond his competence.
Competent
Adequate for the purpose
A competent performance.
Competence
A specific ability or skill
A surprising competence in dealing with animals.
Competent
(Law) Legally qualified or fit to perform an act.
Competence
(Law) The quality or condition of being legally qualified or fit to perform an act.
Competent
Having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.
He is a competent skier and an expert snowboarder.
Competence
(Microbiology) The ability of bacteria to be genetically transformable.
Competent
(legal) Having jurisdiction or authority over a particular issue or question.
For any disagreements arising from this contract, the competent court shall be the Springfield Circuit Court.
Judicial authority having competent jurisdiction
Competence
(Medicine) The ability to respond immunologically to bacteria, viruses, or other antigenic agents.
Competent
Adequate for the purpose
Competence
(Linguistics) The knowledge that enables one to speak and understand a language.
Competent
Permeable to foreign DNA.
Competence
Sufficient means for a comfortable existence.
Competent
(geology) Resistant to deformation or flow.
Competence
(uncountable) The quality or state of being competent, i.e. able or suitable for a general role.
Competent
Answering to all requirements; adequate; sufficient; suitable; capable; legally qualified; fit.
Competence
(countable) The quality or state of being able or suitable for a particular task; the quality or state of being competent for a particular task or skill.
Competent
Rightfully or properly belonging; incident; - followed by to.
That is the privilege of the infinite Author of things, . . . but is not competent to any finite being.
Competence
(linguistics) The system of linguistic knowledge possessed by native speakers of a language, as opposed to its actual use in concrete situations (performance), cf. linguistic competence.
Competent
Properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient;
A competent typist
Competence
(dated) A sustainable income.
Competent
Adequate for the purpose;
A competent performance
Competence
The legal authority to deal with a matter.
Competence
(geology) The degree to which a rock is resistant to deformation or flow.
Competence
The state of being competent; fitness; ability; adequacy; power.
The loan demonstrates, in regard to instrumental resources, the competency of this kingdom to the assertion of the common cause.
To make them act zealously is not in the competence of law.
Competence
Property or means sufficient for the necessaries and conveniences of life; sufficiency without excess.
Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense,Lie in three words - health, peace, and competence.
Superfluity comes sooner by white hairs, but competency lives longer.
Competence
Legal capacity or qualifications; fitness; as, the competency of a witness or of a evidence.
Competence
The quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually, especially possession of the skill and knowledge required (for a task).
Competence
The quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually
Common Curiosities
Can someone be competent without having overall competence?
Yes, one can be competent in specific tasks without having broad competence in a field.
What defines a competent individual?
A competent individual possesses the necessary skills and abilities to perform a task successfully.
How is competence measured?
Competence is typically measured by evaluating an individual’s effectiveness and skill in specific areas.
Is competence static or can it change?
Competence can change and ideally improves over time with experience and learning.
What makes competence different from general ability?
Competence implies a proven ability in particular areas, whereas general ability may not be as specific.
How can organizations enhance competence?
Through targeted training and development programs that improve specific skills.
What role does competence play in professional settings?
It determines an individual’s or a team’s ability to effectively perform job-related tasks.
Are there levels to competence?
Yes, competence can range from basic to advanced levels within any skill set.
How does competence impact job performance?
Higher competence typically leads to better job performance and more successful outcomes.
How is competence assessed in educational settings?
Often through examinations, practical assessments, and continuous evaluations.
What are common synonyms for competence?
Capability, ability, proficiency.
How do companies ensure they hire competent individuals?
Through rigorous recruitment processes including skills tests and interviews.
Can a competent individual lack confidence?
Yes, it’s possible for someone to be competent yet lack confidence in their abilities.
Is competence a desirable trait in leadership?
Yes, competence is crucial for effective leadership and management.
What are common synonyms for competent?
Skilled, capable, proficient.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
