skill

1 of 3

noun (1)

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

skeeling

3 of 3

noun (2)

skeel·​ing

ˈskēlə̇n, 

-liŋ

variants or skilling

ˈskil-

plural -s

dialectal, British

: an outbuilding attached like a lean-to to another

Synonyms of skill

Noun (1)

• 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 (1)

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

Last year’s grants paid for things like job skills training aimed at retaining nonprofit employees, specialized accounting services and a marketing program for thrift stores. — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026

The question is why so many otherwise capable professionals feel compelled to overstate their AI skills in the first place. — Susan Jacobson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Academics have long been fascinated by Messi’s behaviour, particularly his cognitive skills. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Privacy, discretion and tech skills are now core hiring requirements, according to the report. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

Middle English skelyng, from skel- (of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skjōl shelter, cover) + -inge, -ing, -yng -ing

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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