soft skill

[ sawft skil, soft ]

noun

1. Usually soft skills. a skill or personality trait that typically is not learned or measurable and is especially valued in the workplace, as leadership ability or good verbal communication.

Word History and Origins

Origin of soft skill¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

In addition to managing stressful situations, food service workers often develop an impressive ability to deal with people — another soft skill that is often prized by hiring managers.

From Seattle Times

Because nunchi is a soft skill premised on discretion, Hong notes it can be a superpower for introverts.

From The Guardian

Companies could lose good candidates when there isn’t somebody in between to work out a solution on sensitive matters like salary that require a “soft skill” to negotiate - something technology cannot immediately address, she added.

From Reuters

Communicating with respectful confidence is a valuable soft skill, so you’d be doing this young professional a favor by being explicit: “I’ve noticed you often preemptively apologize or put yourself down. The problem with that is it plants the idea in people’s minds that you should be apologizing, or that you are being a bother. You’re undermining yourself.”

From Seattle Times

Communicating with respectful confidence is a valuable soft skill, so you’d be doing this young professional a favor by being explicit: “I’ve noticed you often preemptively apologize or put yourself down. The problem with that is it plants the idea in people’s minds that you should be apologizing, or that you are being a bother. You’re undermining yourself.”

From Washington Post