Find Synonyms

competency Synonyms

Another word for competency

Choosing another word for competency depends on context, so the 18 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

The ability, skill, or knowledge required to do something successfully or efficiently; a specific, measurable qualification or capability needed to perform a particular job or role.

Usage Example

"The training program is designed to evaluate each candidate's core competencies in project management and data analysis."

Strongest
competence
proficiency
capability
Strong
ability
expertise
skill
aptitude
qualification
mastery
know-how

• noun (Context 2)

The legal capacity, mental fitness, or authority of a person or court to participate in legal proceedings, stand trial, or adjudicate a matter.

Usage Example

"The judge ordered a psychiatric evaluation to determine the defendant's competence to stand trial."

Strongest
competence
capacity
Strong
fitness
authority
jurisdiction

• noun (Context 3)

An income or financial means sufficient to provide a comfortable living without the need to work (chiefly archaic or literary).

Usage Example

"Having inherited a modest competence from his late uncle, he retired to the countryside to pursue his botanical studies."

Strongest
competence
Strong
sufficiency
livelihood
means
Weak
subsistence

Opposites of competency

The opposite of competency shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

incompetency
incompetence
incapacity
ineptitude
insufficiency
incapability
unfitness
inability
See all opposites of competency

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Competency. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/competency
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