1. A skill, ability, or qualification that appears to be genuine or adequate but may lack true substance, depth, or actual capability
The candidate demonstrated ostensible competence in the interview, but his actual performance on the job revealed significant gaps in knowledge.
O candidato demonstrou competência aparente na entrevista, mas seu desempenho real no trabalho revelou lacunas significativas de conhecimento.
2. A surface-level display of expertise or proficiency that masks underlying incompetence or insufficiency
His ostensible competence in financial matters was quickly exposed during the audit.
Sua competência aparente em assuntos financeiros foi rapidamente exposta durante a auditoria.