noun

competency

KAHM-pih-tun-see/ˈkɑːmpɪtənsi/

Sufficient ability to carry out a particular task.

The plumber demonstrates her competency by repairing the leaking pipe.

White woman plumber efficiently repairs leaking pipe under sink, dry clean joint and organized tools show adequate practical skill.

Etymology

comLatintogether

+petLatinseek, strive

+encyLatinstate or quality

The “together” and “seek” elements underlie a verb whose meanings included agreeing or being qualified. Competency first expressed having enough to meet life's needs, then extended sufficiency to the qualifications needed for a task.

In context

Tim Fairley360:47

Next option we have available is competency and training. So we can train the people completing the task of the skills and capabilities to complete them safely.

The COMPLETE Guide to Construction Project Management

More examples

Applicants must demonstrate competency in basic math.
The training program builds the competencies needed for safe patient care.
The judge questions the defendant's competency to stand trial.

Forms

competency · competencies

competent adjective — Having enough skill to perform adequately.

Similar words

competence: Often interchangeable, but more commonly describes general practical ability.
skill: Emphasizes a learned ability rather than meeting an adequate standard.
proficiency: Suggests a higher level of skill, not merely adequate ability.