skilled

adjective

ˈskild 

1

: having acquired mastery of or skill in something (such as a technique or a trade)

skilled in the art of negotiation

2

: of, relating to, or requiring workers or labor with skill and training in a particular occupation, craft, or trade

Synonyms of skilled

• proficient
• adept
• experienced
• expert
• talented
• skillful

Choose the Right Synonym for skilled

proficient, adept, skilled, skillful, expert mean having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession.

proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

Examples of skilled in a Sentence

a very skilled and talented writer

He is skilled at cooking.

Carpentry is a skilled trade.

Recent Examples on the Web

So watch this one – especially if your business depends on skilled labor. — Caroline Casagrande, Fortune, 6 July 2026

With large wings, powerful forearms, sharp teeth, and the ability to turn their heads 180 degrees, mantids are skilled hunters. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026

But numerous studies have demonstrated that a smooth and legal inflow of skilled immigrants does not deprive Americans of such jobs. — Robert Hormats, Time, 4 July 2026

Moreover, the scribes were not content with just writing; ideally, the text should be rendered in beautiful calligraphy and adorned with symbols or images, crafted by monks skilled in this art. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for skilled

• backfilled
• distilled
• fulfilled
• infilled
• instilled
• rebuild
• refilled
• unfilled
• unskilled
• untilled
• billed
• build

Kids Definition

skilled

adjective

ˈskild 

1

: having skill : expert

skilled workers

2

: requiring skill and training

a skilled trade