/ ˈkɒmpɪtəns; NAmE ˈkɑːm-/ noun
1.
(also less frequent com·pe·ten·cy ) [ U , C ] competence (in sth) | competence (in doing sth) the ability to do sth well :
to gain a high level of competence in English
professional / technical competence
OPP incompetence
2.
[ U ] ( law ) the power that a court, an organization or a person has to deal with sth :
The judge has to act within the competence of the court.
outside sb's area of competence
3.
[ C ] (also less frequent com·pe·ten·cy technical ) a skill that you need in a particular job or for a particular task :
The syllabus lists the knowledge and competences required at this level.