skill

noun

\ˈskil

Definition of skill

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance

b : dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks

2 : a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability language skills

3 obsolete : cause, reason

skill

verb

skilled; skilling; skills

Definition of skill (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

archaic

: to make a difference : matter, avail

Other Words from skill Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about skill

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Other Words from skill

Noun

skill-less or skilless \ˈskil-ləs

\ adjective

skill-lessness or skillessness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for skill

Noun

art, skill, cunning, artifice, craft mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised. art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power. the art of choosing the right word skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency. the skill of a glassblower cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing. a mystery plotted with great cunning artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature. believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice craft may imply expertness in workmanship. the craft of a master goldsmith

Examples of skill in a Sentence

Noun

Poker is a game of luck and skill. The work is difficult and requires a lot of skill. Cooking is a useful skill. He has excellent social skills.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

There’s a good argument that Tate is one of the most underrated skill players of his era. — Michael Beller, SI.com, "Fantasy Football Players Who are More Valuable in PPR Leagues," 12 July 2018 Barnwell looked solely at the skill-position players, excluding the quarterback, and the rankings don't take into account an offensive scheme or the offensive line. — Pete Grathoff, kansascity, "ESPN ranking of NFL offensive arsenals has Chiefs at No. 1," 11 July 2018 Juggling many responsibilities is a skill that Wagoner developed while attending Maine South. — Myrna Petlicki, chicagotribune.com, "Coming soon to a theater near you: Park Ridge native helps create trailers in Hollywood," 14 July 2018 Much like was expected from Sterling ahead of the World Cup, his direct style of play has proven to be an incredibly difficult skill for the opposition to overcome. — SI.com, "90min World Cup Fan Diaries: How a Subtle Change Could Turn England From Dreamers to Conquerors," 4 July 2018 Knowing the game is a great skill to have as a woman. — Kpmg, USA TODAY, "Empowering the next wave female leaders," 29 June 2018 What are the main skills taught in these weekly self-defense classes? — National Geographic, "Meet the 'Kickboxing Grannies' of Kenya's Most Dangerous Slum," 28 June 2018 The same skills that cement a friendship, Flaherty has found, are useful clinical tools. — Eric Boodman, STAT, "It’s not ‘all in your head’: When other doctors give up on patients, a boundary-breaking neurologist treats them," 19 June 2018 Capricorn A certain amount of defensiveness can be a good skill — not just in keeping yourself safe, but in keeping yourself true, your compass pointed north. — Claire Comstock-gay, The Cut, "Madame Clairevoyant: Horoscopes for the Week of June 18," 18 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

On July 29, a youth skills camp, free of charge for boys and girls, will take place at the Keney Woodland Basketball Courts in Keney Park in Hartford. — Mike Anthony, courant.com, "Celebrating Hartford's Rich Basketball History In July," 31 May 2017 Better options for a ramp-down business would include services that leverage expertise or skills the entrepreneur is already known for. — Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, "Working Strategies: Business startup as career ramp-down," 13 May 2017 Instruction focuses on what is interesting and meaningful to each child, layering necessary skilling on top, with six classes divided into age groups. — Nadine Jolie Courtney, Town & Country, "These Preschools Are the Ivy League of Early Education," 11 Oct. 2016 Occasionally you are made to feel adrift in narrative Siberia, left to dream about condensation and editing, about the knife skills an oral historian should have in her kit. — Dwight Garner, New York Times, "Svetlana Alexievich, Nobel Laureate of Russian Misery, Has an English-Language Milestone MAY 20, 2016," 24 May 2016 There are also medical engineers skilled in the use of advanced diagnostic equipment, and hydro-engineers to stave off the flooding. — David Hiser, National Geographic, "Bringing the Ghostly City of Pompeii Back to Life," 8 Apr. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'skill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.