competent

[kom-pi-tuhnt]

adjective

1. having suitable or sufficient skill, knowledge, experience, etc., for some purpose; properly qualified.

   He is perfectly competent to manage the bank branch.

   Synonyms: proficient, capable, fit

2. adequate but not exceptional.

3. Law.,  (of a witness, a party to a contract, etc.) having legal competence, as by meeting certain minimum requirements of age, soundness of mind, or the like.

4. Geology.,  (of a bed or stratum) able to undergo folding without flowage or change in thickness.

competent

/ ˈkɒmpɪtənt /

adjective

1. having sufficient skill, knowledge, etc; capable

2. suitable or sufficient for the purpose

   a competent answer

3. law (of a witness) having legal capacity; qualified to testify, etc

4. belonging as a right; appropriate

Other Word Forms

• competently adverb
• noncompetent adjective
• ultracompetent adjective
• uncompetent adjective
• competentness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of competent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin competent- (stem of competēns, present participle of competere “to meet, agree”); compete, -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of competent¹

C14: from Latin competēns, from competere to be competent; see _compete

Synonym Study

See able.

Example Sentences

During their conference, which began on Sunday, the Conservatives are hoping to portray themselves as more competent and more credible - particularly on public spending - than their political rivals.

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McVey also argued that the party could take a leaf out of Thatcher's book when it comes to the task of rebuilding its reputation as a competent custodian of the British economy.

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After a day of reviewing cookbooks and recipes from competent, contemporary cooks, I find myself scrolling toward something stranger: accounts that operate like a digital card catalog of retro culinary horror and delight.

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However, the move was symbolic rather than official, as Albania's constitution insists that government ministers must be mentally competent citizens aged at least 18.

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Incidents where civilians were harmed while seeking aid are "under review by the competent authorities in the IDF", the Israeli military said.

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Related Words

• adequate 
• capable 
• decent 
• efficient 
• proficient 
• qualified 
• skilled