Com"pe*tent (k&obreve;m"p&esl;*tent; 94), a. [F. compétent, p. pr. of compéter to be in the competency of, LL. competere to strive after together, to agree with; hence, to be fit. See Compete.] 1. Answering to all requirements; adequate; sufficient; suitable; capable; legally qualified; fit. "A competent knowledge of the world." Atterbury. "Competent age." Grafton. "Competent statesmen." Palfrey. /"A competent witness." Bouvier.

2. Rightfully or properly belonging; incident; -- followed by to. [Rare, except in legal usage.]

That is the privilege of the infinite Author of things, . . . but is not competent to any finite being.
Locke.

Syn. -- See Qualified.

• Having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.
       He is a competent skiier and an expert snowboarder.