competence

The ability to do a job or activity well enough.

• No one doubts her competence.
• The test measures competence in reading and writing.
• He demonstrated real competence when dealing with the emergency.

How to use it: competence in something (The course develops competence in basic computer skills.); competence to do something (She has the competence to lead the team.)

Similar words: ability, capability, proficiency

Opposites: incompetence, inability

Common phrases: professional competence, technical competence, demonstrate competence

The legal power of a court or official body to decide or deal with a particular matter.

• The court lacks competence in this matter.
• Tax disputes fall within the agency's competence.
• The judge questioned the tribunal's competence to hear the case.

How to use it: within/beyond the competence of someone/something (This dispute is beyond the competence of the local court.); competence to do something (The tribunal has competence to hear the appeal.)

Similar words: jurisdiction, authority

Common phrases: within its competence, beyond its competence, the court's competence