competent

[kom-pi-tuhnt] / ˈkɒm pɪ tənt /

ADJECTIVE

able

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adequate capable decent efficient proficient qualified skilled

WEAK

adapted all around appropriate au fait being a pistol clever complete crisp dynamite endowed enough equal fireball fit fool good know ins and outs know one's business know one's stuff know the answers know the ropes know the score no slouch on the ball paid one's dues pertinent polished satisfactory savvy sufficient suitable there up to it up to snuff up to speed wicked

Antonyms

STRONGEST

impotent incapable incompetent inept insufficient unable unqualified unskilled unsuitable

WEAK

inadequate inefficient

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Unlike many developing countries, Pakistan boasts a competent diplomatic corps staffed by officers fluent in English.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

With rip currents, which are "normally quite a narrow channel of water moving out to sea", Ayers said "competent" swimmers should swim parallel to the shore to get out of the flow.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Hoover was competent and corrupt, famously controlling the FBI with an iron fist.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

"Everyone I met was highly competent and cared a great deal about doing the right thing," he wrote.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

I don’t know how he did it—except that he is a lot more competent than he appears to be.

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg

Vocabulary lists containing competent

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 26–31

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