skilled
Americanadjective
-
having skill; trained or experienced in work that requires skill.
-
showing, involving, or requiring skill, as certain work.
adjective
-
possessing or demonstrating accomplishment, skill, or special training
-
(prenominal) involving skill or special training
a skilled job
Synonym Usage
See skillful.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of skilled
Explanation
Anyone skilled has special abilities. A skilled mechanic from the future might build a flying car. Then a skilled rapper can write a cool song about it. A skill is a well-earned talent, like being able to ride a bike, write a script, or spin a basketball on your finger. If you have skills, you're skilled! Congratulations. Being skilled in something usually requires practice. A skilled politician wins elections. A skilled hitter in baseball has a high batting average. A highly skilled job is one that requires special training. The opposite of skilled is unskilled, which would apply to someone without a particular talent.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Von Ungern-Sternberg was working for the Freiburg Chamber of Skilled Crafts in southwest Germany, a trade body that represents skilled workers, from bricklayers and carpenters, to butchers and bakers, and the companies that employ them.
From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026
Skilled plumbers and electricians can take home good incomes soon after training, making vocational paths like trade schools and apprenticeships attractive alternatives to the conventional college route.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026
Skilled foreign workers will be needed to train U.S. crews and shipyard labor.
From Barron's • Oct. 27, 2025
Skilled nursing facilities, group homes and rehabilitation centers won’t take people who don’t have anyone to pay for them, Spellberg said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2025
Skilled in the practicalities of developing dreams into reality, we work with you to reach your goal.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
