C1adjective2K

Competent

UK /["/ˈkɒmpɪtənt/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːmpɪtənt/"]/

Definition

having enough skill or knowledge to do something well or to the necessary standard

In simple words: Able to do something well

Examples

  • She is a competent lawyer who always wins her cases.
  • The team needs a competent leader to guide them through the project.
  • After months of training, he became competent in several languages.
  • Being competent in your field can significantly boost your career opportunities.
  • The technician proved to be competent, solving the problem quickly and efficiently.

Usage notes

Use 'competent' to describe someone who can perform a task effectively. It's appropriate in professional or academic contexts, but may sound too formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

competent + at/in + skill

Memory hint

Think of 'competent' as 'capable friend'; someone you can count on.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • in
  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • in

Synonyms

  • capable
  • proficient
  • skilled
  • adept
  • qualified

Antonyms

  • incompetent
  • inept
  • unqualified

Common mistakes

  • 'Competency' is confused with 'competence' despite the latter being more commonly used.
  • Using 'competent' as a noun instead of an adjective.
  • Confusing 'competent' with 'complacent', which means self-satisfied.