Word
competently
Phoneticscom·pe·tent·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑmpətɪntɫi/
UK/kˈɒmpɪtəntli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a good and skilled way, well enough to do a job right. You use it when someone can do something without needing help.
adv. with adequate skill or ability to perform a task to an acceptable standard. Implies sufficient rather than exceptional proficiency.
Examples
“She competently handles all customer complaints at work.”
“The new nurse competently manages the busy ward, checking medications and calming worried patients.”
“Although hired without prior leadership experience, she competently guided the team through restructuring while maintaining morale and meeting tight deadlines.”
Examples
simple
“She competently handles all customer complaints at work.”
contextual
“The new nurse competently manages the busy ward, checking medications and calming worried patients.”
complex
“Although hired without prior leadership experience, she competently guided the team through restructuring while maintaining morale and meeting tight deadlines.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “competently” in context.
Verb
01. complete competently
“He completed the assignment competently and on time.”
verb + adverb
02. handle competently
“He handled the customer complaint competently and calmly.”
verb + adverb
03. manage competently
“She manages a large team competently without needing help.”
verb + adverb
04. perform competently
“She performed her duties competently and always met deadlines.”
verb + adverb
05. play competently
“He can play the piano competently, though not professionally.”
verb + adverb
06. speak competently
“After a year abroad, she can speak French competently.”
verb + adverb
07. complete the task competently
“He was able to complete the task competently on his own.”
08. handle a crisis competently
“The pilot handled a serious crisis competently and safely.”
09. manage a team competently
“She learned to manage a team competently during her training.”
10. perform duties competently
“New staff are expected to perform their duties competently.”
11. speak english competently
“Most applicants for the job can speak English competently.”
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies or before a past participle ('competently managed').
Etymology
From competent + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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