Competent
Competent adjective - Having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance.
Usage example: any competent mechanic should be able to fix that
Proficient is a synonym for competent in able topic. In some cases you can use "Proficient" instead an adjective "Competent", when it comes to topics like effective, capable. popular alternative
Proficient
Proficient adjective - Having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor.
Usage example: a proficient rendition of a difficult piano piece
Competent is a synonym for proficient in skilled topic. You can use "Competent" instead an adjective "Proficient", if it concerns topics such as character trait, effective, able, qualified. popular alternative
Nearby Words: proficiency, proficiently
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- good and competent
- good and proficient
- fit and competent
- fit and proficient
- adequate and competent
- adequate and proficient
- suitable and competent
- suitable and proficient
- accomplished and competent
- accomplished and proficient
- clever and competent
- clever and proficient
- talented and competent
- talented and proficient
Both words in one sentence
-
Even Minamo (generally the more competent of the two) is shown to be less than proficient in mathematics.
Source: Everybody Hates Mathematics -
Octavian was a Magnificent Bastard in Antony and Cleopatra — a scarily competent Chessmaster, a reasonably proficient strategist and the only man in Asia Minor who can resist Cleopatra.
Source: Historical Villain Upgrade -
Gradually becomes more competent with her weapon, and eventually, proficient; rumours abound of the 'Fighting Fluter', and Calirus himself (in charge of the expansion efforts) is surprised/amused/respectful enough of her to allow her nightly pilgrimages.
Source: Webcomic / Vattu
Cite this Source
Proficient and Competent. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/competent/proficient
Competent & Proficient. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/competent/proficient>.
Proficient or Competent. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/competent/proficient.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "competent" and "proficient" have occurred on timeline