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.

Above all, it would depend on competent leadership and prime ministers surviving long enough to implement what they promised the voters.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

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

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

“Is he purging not just perfectly competent people, but highly competent people, the people you would want in your foxhole?” he asks.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

Prosecutors at Reading Crown Court said any competent driver should still have avoided the Micra as it stood stranded on the M4 westbound between junctions 11 and 12.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

There he was a competent but not terribly outstanding chemist known more for his wild hair and beard, which he had trimmed just once a year, than for his gifts in the laboratory.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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