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.

Above all, it would depend on competent leadership and prime ministers surviving long enough to implement what they promised the voters.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Hoover was competent and corrupt, famously controlling the FBI with an iron fist.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

"Everyone I met was highly competent and cared a great deal about doing the right thing," he wrote.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

In its legal filings, the county said the health regulations were adopted properly and supported by “substantial, competent, and material evidence.”

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

Arguments over the location of novas and comets in the heavens thus continued even after 1610, after which date the traditional Ptolemaic system was abandoned by all competent participants.

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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