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.

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

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

While she isn’t concerned about running out of competent, capable leaders among the high brass, she does have her concerns.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

It’s time that AEG clean house and bring in competent executives who know how to build a successful team.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

The BBC's Nicholas Barber described it as a "bland and barely competent daytime TV movie", also giving it a single star.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

I was at all times cheerful, energetic, helpful, and as competent as a new hire can be expected to be.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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