competence

competence — noun

1. The skill, knowledge, and judgment necessary to perform a job or task effectivel

1.名詞C1
釋義

The skill, knowledge, and judgment necessary to perform a job or task effectively.

例句

Leila demonstrated her competence as a project manager by completing three major campaigns on schedule.

collocation: demonstrate + competence

The internship programme is designed to develop students' professional competence in engineering.

collocation: develop + competence in [field]

同義詞
  • ability

    broader term for being able to do something; competence implies a required standard of skill for a specific role

  • capability

    focuses on potential or capacity to perform, not necessarily proven skill

  • proficiency

    emphasises a high level of practised skill, especially in languages or technical tasks

  • expertise

    implies deep, specialised knowledge beyond basic competence

反義詞

用法筆記

Often followed by 'in' + a field or skill area (e.g. competence in finance). Less commonly followed by 'at' + a task.

常見錯誤

❌She has a strong competence in accounting.
✅She has strong competence in accounting.
💡'competence' is uncountable, so it does not take 'a'.

2. The official authority of a court, organisation, or person to handle a specific

2.名詞
釋義

The official authority of a court, organisation, or person to handle a specific matter within their designated scope.

例句

The case was dismissed because the court lacked the competence to hear disputes from another region.

collocation: lack + competence [legal sense]

The licensing board has the competence to approve or reject applications for medical permits.

collocation: have + the competence to [infinitive]

同義詞
  • jurisdiction

    the most common legal synonym; specifically refers to the geographical or subject-matter limits of authority

  • authority

    broader term that includes legal power but also other kinds of official permission

  • remit

    British English; the area of responsibility assigned to a person or group

用法筆記

Almost exclusively used in legal or administrative contexts. The subject is typically an institution (court, board, agency) rather than an individual. Frequently paired with 'within' or 'outside' to define scope.

常見錯誤

❌The judge's competence was questioned' (when legal authority is meant).
✅The court's competence to hear the case was questioned.
💡For legal authority, specify the institutional body and the scope of the power.