Skill — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈskil/

Meaning & Definition of Skill

Skill (noun)

  1. the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance
  2. dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks
  3. a learned power of doing something competently, a developed aptitude or ability

Skill (verb)

  1. to make a difference, matter, avail

Skill (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something

    "with unbelievable skill, the expert in origami transformed a few sheets of paper into a menagerie of exotic animals"

    similar: adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness, craft, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skillfulness
    related: dexterity, ease, finesse, handiness, experience, expertise, expertness, know-how, proficiency, creativity, ingenuity, inventiveness, knowledge, learning, aptitude, bent, flair, gift, knack, talent
    opposite: artlessness, ineptitude, ineptness, maladroitness
    near: amateurishness, awkwardness, clumsiness, crudeness, klutziness, rudeness, inability, inadequacy, inadequateness, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficacy, inefficiency

  2. knowledge gained by actually doing or living through something

    "he had acquired valuable skills during his life at sea"

    similar: chops, experience, expertise, know-how, moxie, proficiency, savvy
    related: background, command, mastery, acquaintance, conversance, familiarity, intimacy
    opposite: inexperience
    near: ignorance, unawareness, unfamiliarity

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Skill

The most common words with a similar meaning to Skill:

adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness, craft, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skillfulness, chops, experience, expertise, know-how, moxie, proficiency, savvy

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Skill

Words with the opposite meaning of Skill:

artlessness, ineptitude, ineptness, maladroitness, inexperience

Related Words for Skill

dexterity, ease, finesse, handiness, expertness, creativity, ingenuity, inventiveness, knowledge, learning, aptitude, bent, flair, gift, knack, talent, background, command, mastery, acquaintance, conversance, familiarity, intimacy

Near Antonyms of Skill

amateurishness, awkwardness, clumsiness, crudeness, klutziness, rudeness, inability, inadequacy, inadequateness, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, ineffectiveness, ineffectuality, ineffectualness, inefficacy, inefficiency, ignorance, unawareness, unfamiliarity

Word Forms of Skill

Inflections: skilled, skilling, skills

Derived words: skill-less (adjective), skill-lessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Skill

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

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Skill

Words & Phrases Containing Skill

skill set, de-skill, interpersonal skills, subskill

Frequently Asked Questions about Skill

What does "Skill" mean?

"Skill" means the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Skill"?

Other words for "Skill" include adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness and craft. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Skill" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Skill"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Skill". Common alternatives include adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness, craft, cunning and deftness.

What is the opposite of "Skill"?

Antonyms of "Skill" include artlessness, ineptitude, ineptness, maladroitness and inexperience. Near antonyms include amateurishness, awkwardness, clumsiness and crudeness.

How do you use "Skill" in a sentence?

Examples of "Skill" in a sentence: "with unbelievable skill, the expert in origami transformed a few sheets of paper into a menagerie of exotic animals"; "he had acquired valuable skills during his life at sea".

Is "Skill" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Skill" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Skill" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Skill" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Skill"?

"Skill" is pronounced /ˈskil/.