competent

Having enough skill and knowledge to do something well.

• She is a competent driver.
• Are you competent at using this software?
• The team proved competent enough to finish without help.

How to use it: competent at something/doing something (She is competent at managing a small team.); competent to do something (He is competent to carry out the repairs.)

Similar words: capable, able, proficient

Opposites: incompetent

Common phrases: a competent teacher, competent at something, competent to do something, a competent worker

Legally able to understand a situation and make decisions about it.

• The judge found him mentally competent.
• Doctors assessed whether she was competent to give consent.
• Is the defendant competent to stand trial?

How to use it: competent to do something (The court found her competent to make her own decisions.)

Opposites: incompetent

Common phrases: mentally competent, competent to consent, competent to stand trial

Having the official power to deal with a particular matter.

• The competent authority will review your request.
• Only a competent court can decide this dispute.
• The documents were sent to the competent agency.

Similar words: authorized

Common phrases: competent authority, competent court, competent tribunal