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.

With rip currents, which are "normally quite a narrow channel of water moving out to sea", Ayers said "competent" swimmers should swim parallel to the shore to get out of the flow.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

And like the competent multitasking women they inhabit, as they’re piecing clues together, their dynamic fuels a path of internal discovery for both.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

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

I was competent on skis, but not much good on snowshoes.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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