English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Competent Pronunciation
Competent is pronounced KAHM-puh-tint, IPA /ˈkɑmpətɪnt/.
KAHM-puh-tint
US /ˈkɑmpətɪnt/ · UK /ˈkɒmpɪtənt/
Syllables: KAHM · puh · tint (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
adjective: Having enough skill or knowledge to do something properly.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Competent in a Sentence
- She is a competent driver but hates motorways.
- The court found him competent to stand trial.
- We need a competent electrician, not a cheap one.
Common Mispronunciations of Competent
Not kuhm-PE-tuhnt
Hold the peak at the front. Competence and competent both lead on KAHM.
Not KAHM-pee-tuhnt
The middle beat shrinks to a reduced puh, nothing like the ee of meet.
Tip: The -ent ending is almost swallowed, so only the first of the three beats comes through clearly.
More words starting with c · Every word in the pronunciation guide