Competence
Competence noun - The physical or mental power to do something.
Usage example: questioned his competence to finish the task without help
Skill is a synonym for competence in ability topic. In some cases you can use "Skill" instead a noun "Competence", when it comes to topics like talent, fitness, qualifications, capability. popular alternative
Skill
Skill noun - Subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something.
Competence is a synonym for skill in ability topic. You can use "Competence" instead a noun "Skill", if it concerns topics such as expertise, talent, fitness, qualifications. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
How words are described
| high | high competence | high skill |
| physical | physical competence | physical skill |
| equal | equal competence | equal skill |
| exceptional | exceptional competence | exceptional skill |
| Other adjectives: considerable, true, sheer, actual, extreme, great, little, social, decent, remarkable, new, incredible, less, military, greater, basic, magical, medical, technical, tactical. | ||
Both words in one sentence
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Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: Johnny occasionally has flashes of skill and competence between his long stints with the Idiot Ball.
Source: Film / Johnny English - With his fellow comrade and friend, Dorado, Areus aims to become the best gladiator of the age.This game has the following tropes: The Ace: Areus shows nothing but competence and skill.
- Most of the adventures center on an elite faction of warriors called the Soul Killers, who are comparable to Delta Squad in terms of competence and skill.
Source: Fanfic Recs / Gears of War
Cite this Source
Skill and Competence. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/competence/skill
Competence & Skill. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/competence/skill>.
Skill or Competence. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/competence/skill.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "competence" and "skill" have occurred on timeline