competent
- 1Having enough skill or knowledge to do something well.
Like a cook who knows the recipe well enough to make the meal right every time.
She is a competent driver who almost never makes mistakes.
The new nurse proved competent during the busy night shift.
Similarcapable, able, skilled, proficient, qualified
Oppositeincompetent, inept, incapable, unskilled
Note
- 2Good enough for what is needed.
Like a backpack that does the job, even if it isn't fancy.
Her explanation was competent, even if it wasn't exciting.
The meal was competent but nothing special.
Similaradequate, satisfactory, acceptable, passable, serviceable
Oppositeinadequate, unsatisfactory, poor
Note
- 3Having the legal power to deal with a certain matter.
Like a referee who is allowed to make calls only in their own game.
Only a competent court can decide who owns the land.
Take your complaint to the competent office at city hall.
Similarappropriate, relevant, authorized
Note
- 4Working properly and able to do its normal job.
Like a door that closes tightly and keeps the cold out.
The doctor confirmed that the heart valve was competent.
A competent immune system fights off most common infections.
Similarfunctional, healthy, sound
Oppositeincompetent
Note
- 5Able to take in DNA from outside the cell.
Like a sponge that is ready to soak up the water around it.
Scientists made the bacteria competent so they could add new DNA.
Only competent cells will take up the added genes.
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- 6Of rock, strong enough to resist bending or breaking under pressure.
Like a thick board that stays straight when you press it, instead of bending.
The bridge sits on competent rock that won't shift easily.
Competent rock tends to crack rather than bend under heavy pressure.
Oppositeincompetent
Note
Practice
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Origin
From Latin competens, from the verb competō meaning to be capable of, which came into English through Old French.