Competent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈkäm-pə-tənt/ com·pe·tent

Meaning & Definition of Competent

Competent (adjective)

  1. proper or rightly pertinent
  2. having requisite or adequate ability or qualities, fit
  3. legally qualified or adequate

Competent (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance

    "any competent mechanic should be able to fix that"

    similar: able, capable, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable, on the ball
    related: accomplished, ace, adept, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced, proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, veteran, overqualified, prepared, schooled, trained, apt, ready, willing, all-around, protean, versatile
    opposite: incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified
    near: inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful, unprepared, unschooled, untrained, beginning, green, new, raw, untested, untried

  2. being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong

    "the arbiter has all the necessary information to make a competent decision on the matter"

    similar: condign, deserved, due, fair, just, justified, merited, right, rightful, warranted
    related: applicable, appropriate, apt, fit, fitting, meet, proper, requisite, suitable, lawful, legal, legitimate, accurate, correct, true, rhadamanthine, strict, stringent, uncompromising, equitable, impartial, square
    opposite: undeserved, undue, unfair, unjust, unjustified, unmerited, unwarranted
    near: incoherent, incorrect, irrelative, irrelevant, improper, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, indefensible, unjustifiable, unreasonable, unsuitable, biased, inequitable, partial, unequal, arbitrary, despotic, illegitimate, unlawful

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Competent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Competent:

able, capable, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable, condign, deserved, due, fair, just, justified, merited, right, rightful, warranted, on the ball

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Competent

Words with the opposite meaning of Competent:

incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, undeserved, undue, unfair, unjust, unjustified, unmerited, unwarranted

Related Words for Competent

accomplished, ace, adept, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced, proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, veteran, overqualified, prepared, schooled, trained, apt, ready, willing, all-around, protean, versatile, applicable, appropriate, fitting, meet, proper, requisite

Near Antonyms of Competent

inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful, unprepared, unschooled, untrained, beginning, green, new, raw, untested, untried, incoherent, incorrect, irrelative, irrelevant, improper, inapplicable, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, indefensible, unjustifiable, unreasonable, unsuitable, biased, inequitable, partial

Word Forms of Competent

Derived words: competently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Competent

Middle English, suitable, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin competent-, competens, from present participle of competere see compete

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Competent

Frequently Asked Questions about Competent

What does "Competent" mean?

"Competent" means proper or rightly pertinent. As an adjective, it is defined as: proper or rightly pertinent. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Competent"?

Other words for "Competent" include able, capable, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable and condign. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Competent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Competent"?

There are 61 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Competent". Common alternatives include able, capable, equal, fit, good, qualified, suitable, condign, deserved and due.

What is the opposite of "Competent"?

Antonyms of "Competent" include incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, undeserved and undue. Near antonyms include inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned and unskilled.

How do you use "Competent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Competent" in a sentence: "any competent mechanic should be able to fix that"; "the arbiter has all the necessary information to make a competent decision on the matter".

Is "Competent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Competent" is an adjective.

Is "Competent" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Competent" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Competent"?

"Competent" is pronounced /ˈkäm-pə-tənt/ and divided into syllables as com·pe·tent.