skill

1 of 2

noun

ˈskil 

1

a

: the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance

b

: dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks

2

: a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability

language skills

3

obsolete : cause, reason

skill-less adjective

or skilless

ˈskil-ləs 

skill-lessness noun

or skillessness

skill

2 of 2

verb

skilled; skilling; skills

intransitive verb

archaic

: to make a difference : matter, avail

Synonyms

Noun

• adeptness
• adroitness
• art
• artfulness
• artifice
• artistry
• cleverness
• craft
• cunning
• deftness
• masterfulness
• skillfulness

Choose the Right Synonym for skill

art, skill, cunning, artifice, craft mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised.

art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power.

the art of choosing the right word

skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency.

the skill of a glassblower

cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing.

a mystery plotted with great cunning

artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature.

believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice

craft may imply expertness in workmanship.

the craft of a master goldsmith

Examples of skill in a Sentence

Noun

Poker is a game of luck and skill.

The work is difficult and requires a lot of skill.

Cooking is a useful skill.

He has excellent social skills.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Everest has formed strategic partnerships, including an ongoing collaboration with Sierra Canyon to enhance life skills and educational outcomes for students. —Nick Kasmik, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2024

Understanding The Drivers Of Behavior Effective leadership requires more than what learning on the job, traditional skills training or situational coaching can offer. —Sheila Goldgrab, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024

Verb

McVay raised concerns about the impact of the death of the middle on the UK TV skills pipeline and diversity push. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2024

Ravens rookie Nate Wiggins did not suffer a serious shoulder injury in Friday’s preseason opener, coach John Harbaugh said on Sunday, a significant relief considering the elite coverage skills the cornerback flashed in his first dose of NFL action. —Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 11 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English skil, from Old Norse, distinction, knowledge; probably akin to Old English scylian to separate, sciell shell — more at shell

Verb

Middle English skilen, from Old Norse skilja to separate, divide; akin to Old Norse skil distinction

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing skill

• de-skill
• skill set
• sub-skill

Kids Definition

skill

noun

ˈskil

1

: ability that comes from training or practice

2

: a developed or acquired ability : accomplishment

reading skills