ENGLISH
REFERENCE

competent

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈkɑmpətɪnt// UK //kˈɒmpɪtənt// com·pe·tent

adj. having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something well. You use this to describe someone who is capable and does their job correctly.

adj. possessing the requisite skills, knowledge, or qualifications to perform a task to a satisfactory standard. Often used in professional contexts to indicate a baseline of proficiency rather than mastery.


SIMPLE

She is a very competent lawyer who wins most of her cases.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager is looking for a competent assistant who can handle complex scheduling without constant supervision.

COMPLEX

While the candidate lacked years of experience, her portfolio demonstrated a competent grasp of architectural principles that convinced the board of her potential.

Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English competent, conpetent, from Old French competent (modern French compétent), from Latin competens, competentem, present participle of competō (“coincide, be equal to, be capable of”). Compare Dutch competent (“competent”), German kompetent (“competent”), Danish kompetent (“competent”).

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'at' or 'in' when specifying a field of expertise.

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