skill

¹

[ skil ]

noun

1. the ability, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well:

   Carpentry was one of his many skills.

   Synonyms: facility, proficiency

   Antonyms: inability

2. competent excellence in performance; expertness; dexterity:

   The dancers performed with skill.

   Synonyms: cleverness, deftness

3. a craft, trade, or job requiring manual dexterity or special training in which a person has competence and experience:

   the skill of cabinetmaking.

4. Obsolete. understanding; discernment.
5. Obsolete. reason; cause.

skill

²

[ skil ]

verb (used without object)

, Archaic.

1. to matter.
2. to help; avail.

skill

/ skɪl /

noun

1. special ability in a task, sport, etc, esp ability acquired by training
2. something, esp a trade or technique, requiring special training or manual proficiency
3. obsolete.
   understanding

Derived Forms

• ˈskill-less, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skill¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English, from Old Norse skil “distinction, difference”; cognate with Dutch geschil “difference, quarrel”; skill ²( def )

Origin of skill²

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English skilien, from Old Norse skilja “to distinguish, divide,” akin to skil ( skill ¹( def ) ), Old English scylian “to separate,” Gothic skilja “butcher,” Lithuanian skélti “to split”

Word History and Origins

Origin of skill¹

C12: from Old Norse skil distinction; related to Middle Low German schēle, Middle Dutch geschil difference

Example Sentences

"This is a disaster for US security & alliances. Of all Trump's decisions so far, might be the worst. Tulsi Gabbard has consistently parroted pro-Putin propaganda. Director of National Intelligence is a critical position for which she has absolutely no experience and skill," Thomas Judeau, professor at the University of Ottawa, wrote in an X post.

From Salon

“Look, he has his skill sets and I have mine,” Hoover says.

From Los Angeles Times

Reporting suggests that Trump was especially enamored with Hegseth's skill at whining, and especially about how easily threatened he is by women, people who are different, and any demands that he learn stuff or reckon with new ideas.

From Salon

Mayer-Schönberger argues that forgetting is far from a passive act—it’s a very important skill.

From Slate

Whatever skill set Archbishop Welby may have had, in not doing enough on the important issue of safeguarding through rigorously pursuing abuse cases when they were brought to his attention and ensuring others did the same, much trust in the Church was lost.

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplishment
• art
• artistry
• clout
• competence
• dexterity
• experience
• expertise
• finesse
• ingenuity
• intelligence
• job
• know-how
• proficiency
• prowess
• quickness
• readiness
• savvy
• technique