Competent

adj.capableprofessional

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.

playful
solid
when dependable quality deserves informal, understated approval
not when Solid is too vague for a formal recommendation unless evidence follows.
everyday
skilled
when developed ability in a craft deserves direct praise
not when Skilled sounds stronger and more specific than merely competent.
warm
reliable
when consistent delivery and trust are most important
not when Reliability concerns dependability, not necessarily quality of judgment.
professional
capable
when broad ability and readiness for responsibility are being praised
not when Capable often sounds more encouraging; competent can mean the required bar is met.
professional
effective
when successful results matter more than method or credentials
not when One effective intervention does not establish general competence.
professional
qualified
when training, credentials, or eligibility are the deciding facts
not when A qualified applicant may still lack demonstrated competence in practice.
formal
adept
when ease and dexterity show high skill
not when Adept overstates someone who performs correctly but without unusual facility.
formal
proficient
when a particular technique is performed with practiced ease
not when Proficient is narrow and needs a named skill or domain.

competent professional
The competent professional documented the repair and explained the remaining risk.
fully competent
After supervised practice, the trainee was fully competent to lead the inspection.
competent hands
The accounts were in competent hands throughout the treasurer's absence.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.