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

Other Word Forms

• skill-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

Coaches have to be careful with two-way players because you don’t want to place too much of a burden on them at practices, something that might lessen or affect one of their skills.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She praised their skill and professionalism in the situation.

Read more on BBC

Pagan, 37, was a teen when he committed his crime, and hopes his new skills directing movies could one day offer "a pipeline to Hollywood, to employment."

Read more on Barron's

Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 55 and 35 points in the first two wins, has shown growth beyond his scoring skills, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said.

Read more on Barron's

“Later, at home, I employed my orthopedic skills to repair the broken pole,” Meals writes in “Walking the Line: Discoveries Along the Los Angeles City Limits,” his just-published book about his travels.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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