competent performance
Definition
Competent performance means carrying out your contractual duties at the skill level a reasonable professional in your field would deliver. When you sign a contract to provide a service, the law expects you to perform that service with a baseline level of expertise, care, and quality. Falling short of that standard can mean you have legally breached the contract, even if you tried your best.
Example
If you hire a web designer to build your online store and the finished site crashes constantly because of sloppy coding, the designer likely failed the competent performance standard. A court would ask what a reasonably skilled web developer would have delivered under the same circumstances.
Watch Out
When you hire contractors or freelancers, make sure your contract spells out specific quality standards because 'competent performance' can be interpreted differently depending on the industry and the judge.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.