skill set

noun

: a set of skills
especially : a collection of skills and abilities that can be applied to a professional or creative endeavor
She chooses to pursue a position in public relations—"journalism's evil twin"—reasoning that it will require much the same "skill set" that a published writer has. Alexandra Jacobs
Cauchetier's skill set—he was both a high-wire documentarian and, in effect, a director of fictions—uniquely qualified him to share in the multifarious spirit of the New Wave. Richard Brody

Examples of skill set in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That development will attract dozens of new businesses and help advance the labor force’s entire skill set. Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The potential for a perfect pate, and all that comes with it, is only as limited as a stylist’s skill set. John Ortved, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2024 In Washington and Hollywood, part of the skill set of any politician or actor is in making a connection with the public, one that exploits common ground. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 Toys can help babies reach developmental milestones and expand their skill set while having fun. Maya Polton, Parents, 8 Mar. 2024 Still, even when the task was a little beyond her skill set, nothing seemed to truly shake her. Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2024 More than a third of the IT executives surveyed said they are hampered by people with limited AI skill sets. Shaveer Mirpuri, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 While the team’s search for a tight end with an all-around skill set remains a point of conversation, the 2024 draft class is one with several intriguing wide receiver options. Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 Perhaps nothing is more important than getting the health of two of the team’s core pieces in order, especially with their respective skill sets being so difficult to replace. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skill set.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skill set was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near skill set

Cite this Entry

“Skill set.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skill%20set. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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