competent
/ˈkɒmpətənt/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.
Adjective
Examples
He is a competent skier and an expert snowboarder.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Having jurisdiction or authority over a particular issue or question.
Adjective
Examples
For any disagreements arising from this contract, the competent court shall be the Springfield Circuit Court.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “competent” mean?
Having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.
Is “competent” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.