competent

com-pe-tent · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully.

  2. 2.

    Adequate but not exceptional.

  3. 3.

    Legally qualified or authorized.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    competent authority — an official body with legal power
  • •
    competent to — qualified or able to

Related words

Antonyms: incapable, incompetent, inept
See also: capable, competence, incompetent
Synonyms: able, capable, proficient, skilled

Etymology

From Latin "competens," present participle of "competere" (to be fit, proper), from "com-" (together) and "petere" (to seek).