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.

As it happens, there is a jurisdiction that may soon be in need of efficient, competent and friendly service even more than the state of Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

"Anyone responsible for international crimes must be held to account by a competent court."

From BBC • Apr. 7, 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

The foreign ministry statement added that ships linked to qualifying countries could "benefit from safe passage" but "in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities".

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

I don’t know how he did it—except that he is a lot more competent than he appears to be.

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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