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.

Nuria's mother, Smera Chohan, said she was emotional and angry and wanted to know why such a terrible incident had not merited a "competent and thorough investigation".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

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

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

Charles imagined himself to be clever, handsome, and competent.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Words to Describe Yourself on a Resume

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!