competent

C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical

adj. having the legal power or right to make a decision.

adj. having the necessary legal jurisdiction or authority to deal with a particular matter.

“The case was moved to a competent court that had the power to rule on it.”

“The defense argued that the witness was not mentally competent to testify regarding the events of that night.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. good enough for what is needed, even if it is not excellent.

adj. satisfactory or adequate for a specific purpose; meeting a minimum required standard.

“She gave a competent performance, though it wasn't the best of the night.”

“The report provides a competent overview of the situation, though it lacks the depth required for a final decision.”

C2 · Proficiency Science Technical

adj. able to take in foreign DNA or respond to a stimulus.

adj. referring to a cell's ability to take up extracellular DNA from its environment.

“The scientists treated the bacteria to make them competent for the experiment.”

“In molecular biology, creating chemically competent cells is a standard procedure for successful bacterial transformation.”

C2 · Proficiency Science Technical

adj. strong enough to keep its shape under pressure.

adj. describing a rock layer that is strong enough to support a load or resist flow during folding.

“The thick layer of sandstone acted as a competent bed during the mountain's formation.”

“Competent strata tend to maintain their thickness when folded, whereas incompetent layers may thin or flow under the same tectonic pressure.”