Pronunciation IPA (key): /ˈkɒmpətəns/ Audio (UK)(file) Noun Singular competence Plural competences (uncountable) To have competence means to be able or suitable for a general role. (countable) In law, the legal authority to deal with a matter. That question is outwith the competence of this court and must be taken to a higher court.Wikiwand - on Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.Remove ads