skill

¹

[skil]

verb (used without object)

Archaic.

1. to matter.

2. to help; avail.

skill

²

[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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• skill-less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of skill¹

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”

Origin of skill²

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

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

Whether the venture succeeds economically will come down to Meta’s decisions, expertise and skill.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For the past 20 years, Mr Williams has been helping other people with brain injuries to socialise, take part in activities and develop and maintain skills.

Read more on BBC

But Rheinmetall representatives say the company isn’t currently having problems finding the skills it needs on the job market.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Last November, the Scottish and UK government also signed the Falkirk and Grangemouth growth deal which promised £100m for the area through measures like a skills transition centre to get locals into work.

Read more on BBC

"Kane's ability on the field speaks for itself and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group," head coach Rob Walter said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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