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

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

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The goal isn’t to become competent on any specific model of drone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

A competent CPA should be able to answer your questions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

There he was a competent but not terribly outstanding chemist known more for his wild hair and beard, which he had trimmed just once a year, than for his gifts in the laboratory.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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