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

Trump’s notoriety for corruption may finally be eclipsing his populist appeal, and even rhetoricians as skilled as Jennings have difficulty making a case for him. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Provincial officials are counting on the project to deliver billions of dollars in investment, highly skilled jobs and a market for surplus wind power. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Cameron Driggers of Orlando is the founder and executive director of Youth Action Fund, a youth organizing nonprofit that has mobilized thousands of students across the country and trained hundreds to become skilled youth advocates. — Cameron Driggers, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

At the end of the game, the stronger, faster, more skilled team is bound to overwhelm any and all elements or trickery. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 29 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