com·pe·tent 
(kŏmpĭ-tənt)
(kŏmpĭ-tənt)adj.
1. Properly or sufficiently qualified; capable: a competent typist.
2. Adequate for the purpose: a competent performance.
3. Law Legally qualified or fit to perform an act.
[Middle English, adequate, from Old French, from Latin competēns, competent-, present participle of competere, to be suitable; see COMPETE.]
compe·tent·ly adv.