Definitions

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.

It also makes O’Donnell a competent foil—and a satisfying target for Trump’s favorite pastime, revenge.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Now, with Jennifer Cohen at the helm, it finally has stewardship worthy of its legacy, and the results are starting to speak for themselves — a reminder that competent leadership matters more than star power.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

"This country can build big things, we just need competent people at the helm to deliver them."

From BBC • May 19, 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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