Capable vs. Competent — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 17, 2024
Capable refers to having the potential or ability to do something, while competent means having the necessary skill and knowledge to perform a task effectively.
Difference Between Capable and Competent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Being capable implies potential and possibility, suggesting that one has the inherent abilities that may be developed to perform a task or function. Whereas, being competent indicates that a person already possesses the skills and knowledge required to perform tasks to a satisfactory standard. This difference underscores potential versus actual skill.
Capable individuals often have a broad range of abilities that can be adapted to various situations. On the other hand, competence tends to be specific to particular tasks or fields, reflecting a person's effectiveness in particular roles based on their skills and experience.
The concept of capability may include untapped or undeveloped skills, suggesting a focus on future growth and development. Competence, however, emphasizes current abilities and the application of knowledge, often validated through experience or certification.
In the workplace, capable employees are valued for their potential to learn and grow within their roles. Conversely, competent employees are appreciated for their proven ability to meet the demands of their positions with the requisite expertise and reliability.
In educational settings, students are often assessed on capability through potential-focused evaluations like aptitude tests. Competence, however, is usually measured through performance assessments or practical tests that demonstrate mastery of specific skills.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Having the potential or ability to do something
Having the necessary skill and knowledge
Focus
Potential abilities
Actual skills and effectiveness
Application
Broad, adaptable
Specific, specialized
Value in Workplace
Potential for growth and learning
Proven ability to perform tasks
Common Assessments
Aptitude tests
Performance or practical assessments
Compare with Definitions
Capable
Possessing the ability to do something.
He is capable of solving complex problems.
Competent
Adequately qualified or capable.
She is competent in her field of research.
Capable
Having the possibility to be or become something more.
They are capable of becoming leaders.
Competent
Demonstrating capability and reliability in a profession.
They are known to be competent engineers.
Capable
Showing promise in a given area.
The capable student excelled in her tests.
Competent
Having suitable or sufficient skill or knowledge.
He proved competent at the task.
Capable
Able to achieve efficiently with potential.
She is capable of handling multiple projects.
Competent
Competence through experience.
Her competence in management comes from years of experience.
Capable
Marked by aptitude and competence.
This capable team can tackle any challenge.
Competent
Competence confirmed by certification.
He is a competent pilot with all necessary certifications.
Capable
Having capacity or ability; efficient and able
A capable administrator. See Usage Note at able.
Competent
Properly or sufficiently qualified; capable
A competent typist.
Capable
Having the ability required for a specific task or accomplishment; qualified
Capable of winning.
Competent
Adequate for the purpose
A competent performance.
Capable
Having the inclination or disposition
Capable of violence.
Competent
(Law) Legally qualified or fit to perform an act.
Capable
Permitting an action to be performed
An error capable of remedy.
A camera capable of being used underwater.
Competent
Having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.
He is a competent skier and an expert snowboarder.
Capable
Able and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something.
She is capable and efficient.
He does not need help; he is capable of eating on his own.
As everyone knew, he was capable of violence when roused.
That fact is not capable of proof.
Competent
(legal) Having jurisdiction or authority over a particular issue or question.
For any disagreements arising from this contract, the competent court shall be the Springfield Circuit Court.
Judicial authority having competent jurisdiction
Capable
(obsolete) Of sufficient capacity or size for holding, containing, receiving or taking in; accessible to. Construed with of, for or an infinitive.
Competent
Adequate for the purpose
Capable
Possessing ability, qualification, or susceptibility; having capacity; of sufficient size or strength; as, a room capable of holding a large number; a castle capable of resisting a long assault.
Concious of joy and capable of pain.
Competent
Permeable to foreign DNA.
Capable
Possessing adequate power; qualified; able; fully competent; as, a capable instructor; a capable judge; a mind capable of nice investigations.
More capable to discourse of battles than to give them.
Competent
(geology) Resistant to deformation or flow.
Capable
Possessing legal power or capacity; as, a man capable of making a contract, or a will.
Competent
Answering to all requirements; adequate; sufficient; suitable; capable; legally qualified; fit.
Capable
Capacious; large; comprehensive.
Competent
Rightfully or properly belonging; incident; - followed by to.
That is the privilege of the infinite Author of things, . . . but is not competent to any finite being.
Capable
(usually followed by `of') having capacity or ability;
Capable of winning
Capable of hard work
Capable of walking on two feet
Competent
Properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient;
A competent typist
Capable
Possibly accepting or permitting;
A passage capable of misinterpretation
Open to interpretation
An issue open to question
The time is fixed by the director and players and therefore subject to much variation
Competent
Adequate for the purpose;
A competent performance
Capable
(followed by `of') having the temperament or inclination for;
No one believed her capable of murder
Capable
Having the requisite qualities for;
Equal to the task
The work isn't up to the standard I require
Capable
Have the skills and qualifications to do things well;
Able teachers
A capable administrator
Children as young as 14 can be extremely capable and dependable
Common Curiosities
Can someone be capable but not competent?
Yes, a person can have the potential (capable) without yet having developed the necessary skills to perform effectively (competent).
What does it mean to be capable?
Capable means having the potential or inherent abilities to do something or achieve a particular task.
What defines someone as competent?
Competent refers to having the necessary skills, knowledge, and reliability to perform tasks effectively and satisfactorily.
Is competence the same as excellence?
No, competence means meeting the necessary standards effectively, while excellence refers to surpassing expected standards.
How can one assess capability?
Capability can often be assessed through potential-focused evaluations like aptitude tests.
How do employers view capability vs. competence?
Employers value capability for potential future roles and competence for immediate job requirements.
How can one assess competence?
Competence is usually assessed through practical tests that evaluate the mastery of specific skills or knowledge.
Can competence be improved?
Yes, through additional training, practice, and experience, one's competence can significantly improve.
Why is being capable important?
Being capable shows potential and adaptability, important for growth and learning new skills.
Why is competence important in a professional setting?
Competence ensures that an individual can perform their job effectively, contributing to organizational success.
What is more valuable, capability or competence?
The value depends on the context; capability is more about future potential, while competence is about current performance.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
