skilled
Americanadjective
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having skill; trained or experienced in work that requires skill.
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showing, involving, or requiring skill, as certain work.
adjective
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possessing or demonstrating accomplishment, skill, or special training
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(prenominal) involving skill or special training
a skilled job
Related Words
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.
AFSCME’s members include custodians, gardeners, dining hall food service staff, transportation workers and skilled craft workers such as plumbers and electricians.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
Canada has pitched itself as an ideal location for EV battery production, arguing it has huge reserves of the critical minerals needed for advanced battery technology and an abundance of skilled auto workers.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
But like a skilled fighter, there is art and beauty in the timing of Parillo’s trades.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
The construction and installation of offshore wind turbines requires the expertise of skilled electrical workers, pipe fitters, welders, pile drivers, iron workers, machinists and carpenters.
From Salon • May 9, 2026
“Lightsabers are stronger, but Leia is more skilled with a blaster.”
From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon
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.
