1. Skill or ability in a specialized, niche, or little-known field that is not widely recognized or appreciated by the general public
His obscure competence in ancient Byzantine manuscripts made him invaluable to the research team.
Sua competência obscura em manuscritos bizantinos antigos a tornava inestimável para a equipe de pesquisa.
2. Technical proficiency in an esoteric subject or domain that requires specialized knowledge
She possessed an obscure competence in 17th-century textile production methods.
Ela possuía uma competência obscura em métodos de produção têxtil do século XVII.