The quality or state of being competent, i.e. able or suitable for a general role.
The quality or state of being able or suitable for a particular task; the quality or state of being competent for a particular task or skill.
The system of linguistic knowledge possessed by native speakers of a language, as opposed to its actual use in concrete situations (performance), cf. linguistic competence.
the legal authority to deal with a matter.
The degree to which a rock is resistant to deformation or flow.
The status, methods, character or standards expected of a professional or of a professional organization, such as reliability, discretion, evenhandedness, and fair play.
The use of professionals rather than amateurs in any sport etc.