/ ˈkɒmpɪtənt; NAmE ˈkɑːm-/ adjective competent (to do sth)
1.
having enough skill or knowledge to do sth well or to the necessary standard :
Make sure the firm is competent to carry out the work.
He's very competent in his work.
OPP incompetent
2.
of a good standard but not very good
3.
having the power to decide sth :
the case was referred to a competent authority
► com·pe·tent·ly adverb :
to perform competently
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense suitable, adequate ): from Latin competent- , from the verb competere in its earlier sense be fit or proper, from com- together + petere aim at, seek.