Competent Meaning and Definition
Competent
Pronunciation
/kəmˈpɛtənt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Having the necessary qualities, skills, or knowledge to do something successfully; satisfactory in quality, performance, or functioning.
Examples
- The new employee proved to be completely competent in his job.
- The device is competent for the task, but it’s not the most efficient.
Synonyms
- Skilled
- Capable
- Able
Antonyms
- Incompetent
- Skillless
- Inadequate
Additional Information
A person or entity that is competent has the abilities, skills, and knowledge required to perform a task or function successfully. Competence is often evaluated based on factors such as education, training, experience, and performance.
In fields such as medicine and law, competence is a critical factor in assessing a professional’s fitness to practice.
Etymology
The word “competent” comes from Latin, with roots in “competere”, meaning “to strive together” or “to compete”.
Usage Notes
Competent is often used to describe something or someone that meets the required standards, but it can also be used to describe something that is merely adequate or satisfactory, rather than exceptional or outstanding.
Cultural References
The term “competent” is often used in popular culture to describe a character who is skilled and capable, but not necessarily exceptional or remarkable.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Example phrases include “proven competent”, “shown to be competent”, and “demonstrated competence”.
Related Words or Phrases
Capable, skilled, able, efficient, proficient.
Collocations
Example collocations include “competent professional”, “competent worker”, and “competent leader”.
Frequency of Use
The word “competent” is commonly used in formal and professional contexts, but it can also be used in informal and conversational contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings include “competant”, “complent”, and “compitant”.