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

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

The challenge is to become as skilled and cerebral as possible, preferably while the elite athleticism is still present. —Tony Jones, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025

However, being a skilled cellist is not Lala’s only gift. —Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025

Now a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications spells trouble for those like Coverdale in rural parts of the country who rely on immigrants to fill vacancies in skilled professions like education and health care. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

While Japan boasts world-class robotics and other high-tech industries, it is also beset by a lack of skilled tech workers and low digital literacy rates among sections of its rapidly ageing population. —John Liu, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 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