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

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

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

Before June 8, the skilled and respected ABC News television journalist Terry Moran was neither a household name nor political lightning rod. —Steven Levy, Wired News, 27 June 2025

The necessary conditions are in place: computational power, broad access to distribution channels, a growing pool of skilled talent and rising global demand. —Vlad Panin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

In the BofA survey, 54% of the analysts said issues finding skilled workers would be a significant impediment for companies. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 June 2025

Medicaid also funds the majority of long-term care for seniors in skilled nursing facilities. —Pia Valvassori, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025

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