competently

[ kom-pi-tuhnt-lee ]

adverb

1. well or with sufficient skill, knowledge, experience, etc.:

   Everything was done professionally and very competently.

2. adequately but not exceptionally:

   The piece is competently performed, but no more.

Other Words From

• non·com·pe·tent·ly adverb
• un·com·pe·tent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of competently¹

competent ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Finally, the Social Security program is threatened by Trump’s promise to fire thousands of federal employees and replace them with political loyalists, who may or may not be best qualified to competently perform their duties.

From Salon

Mr Lee's government has also been credited with competently steering the country through several recessions, the global financial crisis and the Covid pandemic.

From BBC

In fact, James is the biggest reason the Lakers were competitive, and had they been competently coached, they could have beaten the Nuggets and would now be advancing through the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times

Nevertheless, it was tough to stifle my irritation at watching the cast stride through a competently drawn video game.

From Salon

He said the Horizon scandal was only discussed once at board level while he was in charge - and the Horizon team led him to believe the Post Office was acting "competently and honestly."

From BBC

Related Words

• ably
• efficiently
• expertly
• skillfully