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

The 25-year-old has the talent to be a quality middle-six center with the combo of his speed and skill. —Corey Pronman, The Athletic, 1 Feb. 2025

Learning a skill in the architectural field may open new doors to success. —Essence, 1 Feb. 2025

These projects teach employable skills that recruiters look for on resumes. Participation in quantitative finance competitions and data challenges. —Brianna Kamienski, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025

His responses raised concern among health experts that Kennedy lacks basic skills needed for the job. —Lauran Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

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

15th 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