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

This culture is at the heart of a competent military, and indeed is essential to the morale and cohesion that makes the American armed forces the envy of the world.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

The goal isn’t to become competent on any specific model of drone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

A competent CPA should be able to answer your questions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

Hobbes’s point is not that expertise is whatever the sovereign says it is; it is that non-experts can be competent to select experts.

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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