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.

Absent a more competent response than we have seen, the outcome could be tragic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

"This country can build big things, we just need competent people at the helm to deliver them."

From BBC • May 19, 2026

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

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

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

True Belle was there, chuckling, competent, stitching by firelight, gardening and harvesting by day.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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