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.

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

"All competent authorities are fully mobilized and placed on maximum alert to provide, without delay, the necessary assistance, care and support," it added in its statement.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Medical schools were told that their curriculum should include content about “the diverse manner in which people perceive health and illness” and the “basic principles of culturally competent healthcare.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Ragtime’s syncopation was drawn from a relatively limited menu of possible variations, and could therefore also be written down and mastered, in time, by any competent pianist.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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