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.

Salam offered condolences to Khalil's family and said that Lebanon would "pursue the crimes before the competent international forums".

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

General manager Joe Hortiz’s midseason acquisition of Oweh reinforced just how much they needed a competent edge rusher last season.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

X-Energy CEO J. Clay Sell also stands out as a competent leader, Gadomski added.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Once an airport expresses interest in the SPP, the most airport management can do is hope TSA does its job in selecting a competent contractor on the airport’s behalf.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Of course: Nearly all the soil of Jackson Park was competent to support floating foundations except the one portion destined to bear the fair’s biggest and heaviest building.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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