excessively competent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessively competent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is overly skilled or proficient in a particular area, often to the point of being excessive or unnecessary. Example: "While her attention to detail is admirable, her excessively competent approach can sometimes overwhelm her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"So not excessively excessive.

The New York Times

Critical reception for the game has been favorable, and most sources have denoted it as a competent, if excessively difficult, portable version of the popular NES series.

Wikipedia

In the words of a competent observer: "The only failing of this extraordinary woman was her being excessively, one may say, exacting of her children and of the people dependent on her".

Encyclopedia Britannica

A formula should be found that allows the competent authorities to justify their actions without requiring records to be kept for excessively long periods.

European Parliament

Sleeping excessively.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Drink excessively?

The Guardian

Everyone excessively tidy, excessively generous.

The New Yorker

Very competent".

The New York Times

"Barely competent".

The Guardian - Books

"I was excessively disciplined.

The New York Times - Magazine

Do you wash excessively?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excessively competent", ensure the context clearly indicates that the high level of competence is somehow problematic or inappropriate. Otherwise, consider using a more neutral term like "highly skilled".

Common error

Avoid using "excessively competent" when you simply mean someone is very good at something. The word "excessively" implies that the competence is somehow negative or unwarranted in the given situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessively competent" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe a person or entity whose competence surpasses the expected or desired level. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase suggests competence to a degree that could be seen as negative or problematic in context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excessively competent" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a level of competence that is beyond what is necessary or appropriate, potentially leading to negative consequences. As noted by Ludwig AI, it implies competence to a degree that could be seen as negative or problematic in context. Though relatively infrequent, it appears in neutral contexts such as news media, academia and encyclopedias, suggesting a balanced and measured assessment. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates why the high level of competence is an issue; otherwise, consider using more neutral alternatives like "highly skilled".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly proficient

Replaces "excessively competent" with "overly proficient", emphasizing a surplus of skill.

exceptionally skilled

Substitutes "excessively competent" with "exceptionally skilled", highlighting outstanding ability.

remarkably capable

Changes "excessively competent" to "remarkably capable", focusing on noteworthy competence.

inordinately talented

Replaces "excessively competent" with "inordinately talented", suggesting an unusual degree of talent.

unduly skilled

Substitutes "excessively competent" with "unduly skilled", indicating an inappropriate level of skill in a certain context.

immoderately proficient

Changes "excessively competent" to "immoderately proficient", stressing a lack of moderation in proficiency.

disproportionately skilled

Replaces "excessively competent" with "disproportionately skilled", highlighting an imbalance in skills.

over-qualified

Substitutes "excessively competent" with "over-qualified", focusing on exceeding the requirements for a role or task.

superlatively adept

Changes "excessively competent" to "superlatively adept", emphasizing a very high level of skill.

unusually capable

Replaces "excessively competent" with "unusually capable", suggesting an uncommon level of ability.

FAQs

How can I use "excessively competent" in a sentence?

You can use "excessively competent" to describe someone whose competence is so high that it becomes a problem or seems inappropriate, for example: "While her attention to detail is admirable, her "excessively competent" approach can sometimes overwhelm her colleagues".

What are some alternatives to "excessively competent"?

Alternatives include "overly proficient", "exceptionally skilled", or "remarkably capable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "excessively competent"?

It's appropriate when the high level of competence is seen as a drawback or is out of place in the particular context. If the competence is simply positive, consider using a different phrase.

Is "excessively competent" a formal or informal expression?

"Excessively competent" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in formal writing where precise language is important. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferred.