having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully:a highly competent surgeon [with infinitive]:make sure the firm is competent to carry out the work
(of a person) efficient and capable:an infinitely competent mother of three
acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding:she spoke quite competent French
(of a court or other body) accepted as having legal authority to deal with a particular matter:the London Stock Exchange is the competent authority under the Financial Services Act
Biology & Medicine capable of performing the normal function effectively.
