What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
competent
Example
She is a competent accountant who can handle complex financial statements with ease. [competent: adjective]
Example
The new employee is competent in using the company's software, but still needs some training. [competent: adjective]
proficient
Example
He is proficient in several programming languages and can develop complex software applications. [proficient: adjective]
Example
The pianist is proficient in playing classical music and can perform challenging pieces with ease. [proficient: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Competent is more commonly used than proficient in everyday language. Competent is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while proficient is often used in professional or technical settings to describe a high level of expertise.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between competent and proficient?
While both competent and proficient can be used in formal and informal contexts, proficient is often associated with a more formal tone due to its technical and professional connotations.
