skilled

1 of 2

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

skilled

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of skill entry 2

Synonyms of skilled

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

a very skilled and talented writer

He is skilled at cooking.

Carpentry is a skilled trade.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Minervini, a polished and skilled host, did good work in the Marlins studio for a quarter century. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026

Co-founder Bohdan Sas said the company is focusing on missions that place heavy demands on skilled operators, including reconnaissance, counter-drone defense and precision-strike assistance. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026

The method might make sense for companies that have the capital to purchase AI chips but don't have enough power, data center space or skilled labor. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026

Medicare already incorporates productivity into payment updates across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and other settings. — Bill Miller, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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