adj
competent
KOM-puh-tuhnt
adj
1
Having enough skill, knowledge, or ability to do something properly.
"She's a competent surgeon with years of experience."
"The team needs a competent manager to keep things on track."
2
Having the legal authority or jurisdiction to deal with a matter.
"The case was referred to a competent court."
How to Use Competent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGood enough at a job or task to be trusted with it.
Common pairings
competent authority
perfectly competent
competent professional
Word Forms
more competent comparative, most competent superlative
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She's a _____ surgeon with years of experience.
Etymology
From Latin competens, present participle of competere, "to be fit or capable."