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.
Choose between these
8- playful
when dependable quality deserves informal, understated approval
not when Solid is too vague for a formal recommendation unless evidence follows.
- everyday
when developed ability in a craft deserves direct praise
not when Skilled sounds stronger and more specific than merely competent.
- warm
when consistent delivery and trust are most important
not when Reliability concerns dependability, not necessarily quality of judgment.
- professional
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
when successful results matter more than method or credentials
not when One effective intervention does not establish general competence.
- professional
when training, credentials, or eligibility are the deciding facts
not when A qualified applicant may still lack demonstrated competence in practice.
- formal
when ease and dexterity show high skill
not when Adept overstates someone who performs correctly but without unusual facility.
- formal
when a particular technique is performed with practiced ease
not when Proficient is narrow and needs a named skill or domain.
Said against
3- incompetent
- unqualified
- inept
It naturally appears in
3- 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.