skill

1 of 3

noun

ˈskil 

1

a

: 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-less adjective

or skilless

ˈskil-ləs 

skill-lessness noun

or skillessness

skill

2 of 3

verb

skilled; skilling; skills

intransitive verb

archaic

: to make a difference : matter, avail

skill-less

3 of 3

adjective

variants or skilless

ˈskillə̇s 

1

archaic : having no knowledge

2

: having no skill

skill-lessness noun

plural -es

Synonyms of skill

Noun

• skillfulness
• cunning
• proficiency
• art
• artistry
• talent

Choose the Right Synonym for skill

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

Is his best skill dribbling, incisive passing or scoring with both feet? —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026

This expansion helps workers gain new skills, such as becoming a certified nursing assistant or welder, through federal assistance for training programs lasting 8 to 15 weeks. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 June 2026

Advertisement At its core, DBT teaches skills that many people with BPD never had the chance to learn. —Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026

Minutes from last month’s meeting of the UC-wide Academic Senate’s admissions board said that student math skills have also been a concern at UC Irvine, UC Riverside and UC Merced. —Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English skil, from Old Norse, distinction, knowledge; probably akin to Old English scylian to separate, sciell shell — more at shell

Verb

Middle English skilen, from Old Norse skilja to separate, divide; akin to Old Norse skil distinction

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing skill

• de-skill
• skill set
• sub-skill

Rhymes for skill

• bill
• brill
• chill
• drill
• fil
• fill
• frill
• gill
• grill
• grille
• jill
• kill

Kids Definition

skill

noun

ˈskil

1

: ability that comes from training or practice

2

: a developed or acquired ability : accomplishment

reading skills