Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Competent \Com"pe*tent\ (?; 94), a. [F. comp['e]tent, p. pr. of
   comp['e]ter 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}.

Source : WordNet®

competent
     adj 1: properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient;
            "a competent typist" [ant: {incompetent}]
     2: adequate for the purpose; "a competent performance"