- 1competent (to do something) having enough skill or knowledge to do something well or to the necessary standard Make sure the firm is competent to carry out the work. He's very competent in his work. I don't feel competent to comment. opposite incompetent
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- 2of a good standard but not very good
- 3having the power to decide something The case was referred to a competent authority.
- 4(law) (of someone charged with a crime) mentally able to understand the charges and to assist in defending themselves
adverb to perform competentlySee competent in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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