skill

1 of 2

noun

ˈskil How to pronounce skill (audio)
Synonyms of skillnext
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 How to pronounce skill (audio)
skill-lessness noun
or skillessness

skill

2 of 2

verb

skilled; skilling; skills

intransitive verb

archaic
: to make a difference : matter, avail

Synonyms

Noun

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
This skill of self-regulation, an essential component of CQ as well as etiquette alike, allows leaders to handle even the most challenging situations without damaging relationships or creating unnecessary friction. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 Corporate volunteering programs can foster new skills, connectivity, and lead to positive health outcomes. —Chloe Berger, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
Ask Questions To Build Inner Intelligence Honing skills that breed inner intelligence is key in today’s world, regardless of where you or your teams are located. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The 10-episode original drama series is set in 1991 Miami and follows Dexter (Patrick Gibson), a student refining his killer skills with the help and support of his adoptive father Harry. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for skill 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of skill was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing skill

Dictionary Entries Near skill

ski lift

skill

skilled

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Skill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skill. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

skill

noun
ˈskil
1
: ability that comes from training or practice
2
: a developed or acquired ability : accomplishment
reading skills

More from Merriam-Webster on skill

Nglish: Translation of skill for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of skill for Arabic Speakers

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