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.

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

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

A competent CPA should be able to answer your questions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

Ghalibaf is considered ruthless and ambitious but also a competent manager.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 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

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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