Search Dictionary
Definition of competent

competent

/ˈkɑːm.pə.tənt/
com · pe · tent

Adverb:competently
JUMP TO:

competent Lexical Profile

competent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

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

Example

"She is a highly competent software engineer who consistently delivers complex projects on schedule."


2

Acceptable and satisfactory in quality, though not outstanding.

Example

"The student wrote a competent essay that covered all the required points without offering much original insight."


3

Having the legal authority, mental capacity, or qualification to deal with a matter, stand trial, or give evidence.

Example

"After a thorough psychiatric evaluation, the judge ruled that the defendant was competent to stand trial."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for competent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for competent

• Rhymes for competent

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'competent' and directly from Latin 'competentem', the present participle of 'competere' ('to coincide, agree, or be suitable'), formed from 'com-' ('together') and 'petere' ('to strive or seek').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Competent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/competent
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.