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.

Yes, but even the most competent 5-year-old would still run into the same problems that Bondi did.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

A competent CPA should be able to answer your questions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

On Tuesday, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said in a social media post that “non-hostile” vessels can pass through the waterway “in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities.”

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

For its part, OpenAI might find it is harder to take market share from the iPhone and replicate a device ecosystem than it is for Apple to deliver competent AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

“Nonsense; that is mere superstition. There have been many competent lady sailors, and even notorious lady pirates. Not that being a pirate is anything to brag about.”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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