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.

It’s hard to imagine his administration being competent enough to fake such actions without at least one conspiracist letting the secret out, even by drunkenly bragging about it to a would-be mistress.

From Salon • May 13, 2026

Memory is a critical competent used to help power artificial intelligence.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

In her interview with the Argentine daily, Venezi said Giorgia Meloni was a "powerful, competent woman" and confirmed the two had known each other since before Meloni launched her political career.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

In its legal filings, the county said the health regulations were adopted properly and supported by “substantial, competent, and material evidence.”

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

No competent astronomer defended the traditional Ptolemaic system once they had heard that Venus had a full set of phases; you had to be an ill-informed philosopher to do so.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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