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

Dr Tracy O'Connor Pennuto and Dr Cassondra Morris, from the Federal Medical Center in Butner, testified that Jeffries was competent after assessing him over four months in prison.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 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

The younger Cooksey was a competent physicist then investigating the elusive qualities of X-rays, but he knew he was no match for the newcomer.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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