# competence vs competent

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### competence
*noun · IPA /ˈkɒm.pə.təns/ · frequency rank #13,307*
The quality or state of being competent, i.e. able or suitable for a general role.

### competent
*adjective · IPA /ˈkɒmpətənt/ · frequency rank #8,018*
Having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/competence-vs-competent