life skill

American  

[lahyf skil] / ˈlaɪf ˌskɪl /

noun

• life skills
  plural

1. Usually life skills a skill that helps a person to function well in adult life, especially in social or emotional situations.

   Schools can teach life skills such as persistence and resilience.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• life skills
  plural

Etymology

Origin of life skill

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

life skill

"Swimming is a life skill, not just a sport, and every child should have the opportunity to leave primary school able to swim and be safe in, on and around water," a spokesperson said.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

“I think this is very important because it’s a life skill that’s not being taught to people anymore. I can teach others the skills I learn here. It has a ripple effect, ” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2024

“Cooking is an essential life skill that children need to learn to be self-sufficient adults,” Loftlin said.

From Salon ● Feb. 4, 2024

Call it a reality check or an introduction to a critical life skill, this exercise occurred in a course called Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 10, 2023

Even in the lowest walks of life, skill and ability must be of some advantage; though in many occupations, owing to the great division of labour, a very small one.

From The Descent of Man by Charles Darwin