skill

1 of 2

noun

ˈskil How to pronounce skill (audio)
Synonyms of skill
1
a
: the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance
b
: dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks
2
: a learned power of doing something competently : a developed aptitude or ability
language skills
3
obsolete : cause, reason
skill-less adjective
or skilless
ˈskil-ləs How to pronounce skill (audio)
skill-lessness noun
or skillessness

skill

2 of 2

verb

skilled; skilling; skills

intransitive verb

archaic
: to make a difference : matter, avail

Synonyms of skill

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Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for skill

art, skill, cunning, artifice, craft mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised.

art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power.

the art of choosing the right word

skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency.

the skill of a glassblower

cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing.

a mystery plotted with great cunning

artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature.

believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice

craft may imply expertness in workmanship.

the craft of a master goldsmith

Examples of skill in a Sentence

Noun Poker is a game of luck and skill. The work is difficult and requires a lot of skill. Cooking is a useful skill. He has excellent social skills.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The attention to sharpening those skills could be paying off. — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 The teenage phenom is able to complement his obvious technical skills with a flair and maturity in high-pressure situations that is well beyond his years. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026 Both public school districts continue to outperform the state of Florida average testing marks for most academic subject and skill tests. — Austin Horn july 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026 Her 12-year-old son, Whitman, has autism and a neurological disorder called apraxia, in which the brain struggles to tell muscles how to move to form words or perform other motor skills. — Annie Ma, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for skill

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English skil, from Old Norse, distinction, knowledge; probably akin to Old English scylian to separate, sciell shell — more at shell

Verb

Middle English skilen, from Old Norse skilja to separate, divide; akin to Old Norse skil distinction

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of skill was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing skill

Rhymes for skill

See All Rhymes for skill

Browse Nearby Words

ski lift
skill
skilled
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Cite this Entry

“Skill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skill. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

skill

noun
ˈskil
1
: ability that comes from training or practice
2
: a developed or acquired ability : accomplishment
reading skills

More from Merriam-Webster on skill

Nglish: Translation of skill for Spanish Speakers

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