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.

Absent a more competent response than we have seen, the outcome could be tragic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

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

From Salon • May 8, 2026

Memory is a critical competent used to help power artificial intelligence.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

He previously voted for Vinatieri and even contributed money to him because “he was a very competent manager.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

I don’t know how he did it—except that he is a lot more competent than he appears to be.

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg

Vocabulary lists containing competent

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

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