Competencies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Competencies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the skills, knowledge, and abilities that enable someone to perform a task or job effectively. Example: "The job requires a range of competencies, including communication skills and technical expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mortimer says trusts are investing in support staff to meet the core competencies required by the new care certificate, which all care workers will have to achieve before they can work unsupervised.

The Guardian

In a swipe at David Cameron's plans for a renegotiation and in/out referendum by 2017, Blair will call on pro-Europeans to "make the debate more than about the repatriation of certain competencies and rules".

The Guardian

In order to achieve the maximum pay for the relevant band, members of staff have to develop skills and competencies.

The Guardian

Then you try to find out the raw material and the competencies.

The New York Times

There are techniques to try to find out their competencies, but I think it's become like an arms race, with interviewees knowing the tools you use to learn their competencies, and they prepare for them.

The New York Times

A former executive of Blue Circle, a British cement maker, once said that his company diversified into lawn mowers in the 1980s (it bought the Qualcast brand) on no firmer grounds than "your garden is next to your house".Today, the focus among manufacturing industries is on "core competencies".

The Economist

It should set out the EU's mission in simple language, clarify for befuddled voters the role and responsibilities of its institutions, and draw a clear distinction between supranational and national competencies.

The Economist

But there is a problem with this theory, too: it implies that some firms will grow faster than others over long periods, because they possess durable competencies that are difficult to imitate.But that is not so.

The Economist

The two business academics wrote Core competencies are the collective learning in the organisation, especially how to co-ordinate diverse production skills and integrate multiple streams of technologies...core competence is communication, involvement and a deep commitment to working across organisational boundaries...core competence does not diminish with use.

The Economist

Porter had turned strategic thinking back in the direction of Frederick Taylor; Prahalad and Hamel changed that direction by several degrees.The drive to identify core competencies moved in line with the growing popularity of outsourcing.

The Economist

The exams did not test for modern competencies such as awareness of foreign affairs, science and technology (the study of languages was discouraged).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing job requirements, clearly define the specific "competencies" needed for success. Avoid vague or generic terms.

Common error

Don't mistake "competencies" for specific tasks. "Competencies" are the underlying skills and abilities that enable someone to perform various tasks effectively.

Linguistic Context

The word "competencies" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the skills, knowledge, and abilities that enable effective performance. As Ludwig AI explains, it is the plural form of "competency", often used in professional and academic contexts. Examples from Ludwig highlight its usage in describing job requirements and organizational capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competencies" is a grammatically correct and widely used term that refers to the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary for effective performance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts. Predominantly found in professional, academic, and news contexts, it's crucial to use "competencies" to describe underlying capabilities rather than specific tasks. Alternatives such as "skills", "capabilities", and "abilities" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts, enriching your vocabulary. Defining "competencies" clearly is essential for effective communication in professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Skills

Focuses more broadly on learned abilities.

Capabilities

Emphasizes the potential to perform tasks.

Abilities

Highlights inherent or developed talents.

Qualifications

Stresses the formal requirements met for a role.

Proficiencies

Suggests a high degree of skill or expertise.

Expertise

Implies specialized knowledge and skill.

Talents

Focuses on natural aptitudes.

Aptitudes

Highlights innate potential.

Capacities

Refers to the maximum amount that something can contain or accomplish.

Know-how

Emphasizes practical knowledge and skills.

FAQs

How to use "competencies" in a sentence?

"Competencies" typically refer to the skills, knowledge, and abilities one possesses. For instance, "The job requires a range of competencies, including communication skills and technical expertise."

What can I say instead of "competencies"?

You can use alternatives like "skills", "capabilities", or "abilities" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "competencies" or "competence"?

"Competence" is the singular form, referring to a single skill or ability. "Competencies" is the plural form, referring to a range of skills or abilities.

What's the difference between "competencies" and "qualifications"?

"Qualifications" are the formal requirements you meet for a role, while "competencies" are the skills and abilities that enable you to perform the role effectively. Qualifications often prove you have the required "competencies".