Competent
What it means
Possessing the skill and judgment required to do a task properly.
Reach for it when giving measured professional praise for dependable ability
A competent electrician isolated the damaged circuit before replacing any parts.
Words to choose between 8
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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playful
Fits when dependable quality deserves informal, understated approval
Careful Solid is too vague for a formal recommendation unless evidence follows.
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everyday
Fits when developed ability in a craft deserves direct praise
Careful Skilled sounds stronger and more specific than merely competent.
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warm
Fits when consistent delivery and trust are most important
Careful Reliability concerns dependability, not necessarily quality of judgment.
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professional
Fits when broad ability and readiness for responsibility are being praised
Careful Capable often sounds more encouraging; competent can mean the required bar is met.
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professional
Fits when successful results matter more than method or credentials
Careful One effective intervention does not establish general competence.
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professional
Fits when training, credentials, or eligibility are the deciding facts
Careful A qualified applicant may still lack demonstrated competence in practice.
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formal
Fits when ease and dexterity show high skill
Careful Adept overstates someone who performs correctly but without unusual facility.
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formal
Fits when a particular technique is performed with practiced ease
Careful Proficient is narrow and needs a named skill or domain.
Opposites 3
- incompetent
- unqualified
- inept
Common phrases 3
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competent professional
The competent professional documented the repair and explained the remaining risk.
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fully competent
After supervised practice, the trainee was fully competent to lead the inspection.
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competent hands
The accounts were in competent hands throughout the treasurer's absence.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, public domain Updated