n.

1. 能力，胜任，称职[U]
   The young surgeon showed exceptional competence.

   这位年轻的医生表现了非凡的能力。

2. 【律】权限[U]
   This case is beyond this court's competence.

   此法院无权受理这宗案件。

3. 【律】作证能力[U]
4. 足以过舒适生活的收入（或财产）[S]
   The retired worker lived in competence.

   那个退休工人过着不愁吃穿的生活。

n.

1. the quality or extent of being competent.
   ▸Linguistics  a person's subconscious knowledge of the rules governing the formation of speech in their first language. Often contrasted with performance.
   ▸Biology  & Medicine  effective performance of the normal function.
2. dated an income large enough to live on.