adept

American  

[uh-dept, ad-ept, uh-dept] / əˈdɛpt, ˈæd ɛpt, əˈdɛpt /

adjective

1. very skilled; proficient; expert.

   an adept juggler.

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noun

1. a skilled or proficient person; expert.

adept British  

adjective

1. very proficient in something requiring skill or manual dexterity

2. skilful; expert

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noun

1. a person who is skilled or proficient in something

Other Word Forms

• adeptly adverb
• adeptness noun
• nonadept adjective
• nonadeptly adverb
• unadept adjective
• unadeptly adverb

Etymology

Origin of adept

First recorded in 1655–65; from Medieval Latin adeptus “one who has attained (the secret of transmuting metals),” noun use of Latin past participle of adipiscī “to attain to” ( ad- “toward” + -ep- combining form of ap- in aptus + -tus past participle suffix); ad-, apt

Example Sentences

But it added that retailers and suppliers are "adept at managing this type of disruption" and "will work hard to minimise the impact on customers".

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Miller is durable and a particularly adept pass blocker.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

It has also proven adept at using electronic warfare to jam or spoof drones’ communication signals on a large scale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

Initially, “Undertone” is adept in producing a simple, familiar atmosphere, where fear can be easily manifested come nightfall.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

Meanwhile, in her role of unhappy helper but obedient daughter, Shirley had become quite adept with tools and familiar with the inner workings of the old house.

From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord

Related Words

• accomplished
• adroit
• capable
• deft
• proficient
• skilled
• skillful
• versed