reskill: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Professional, Business, Media, Educational
Quick answer
What does “reskill” mean?
To train someone or oneself in new skills, especially to adapt to a changing job market.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To train someone or oneself in new skills, especially to adapt to a changing job market.
The process of learning significantly new, often digital, skills to remain employable or transition to a different career or role, distinct from upskilling (which builds on existing skills).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. 'Reskill' is used identically in both varieties. The concept is equally prevalent.
Connotations
Strongly associated with corporate HR strategy, government labour policy, and the future of work.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK business media, but the term is standard and common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “reskill” in a Sentence
reskill somebodyreskill for somethingreskill in somethingreskill as somethingneed/aim/plan to reskillVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reskill” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government is funding programmes to reskill workers in the Midlands.
- She took a year off to reskill in digital marketing.
American English
- The company is investing heavily to reskill its workforce for the digital age.
- He decided to reskill as a cybersecurity analyst.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form in common use]
adjective
British English
- The reskill initiative was met with enthusiasm by the staff.
- They offer a popular reskilling course.
American English
- The reskill program is a key part of our corporate strategy.
- She accessed state-funded reskilling grants.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The company launched a scheme to reskill its manufacturing staff for roles in software testing.
Academic
Economic studies highlight the urgent need for policies that facilitate reskilling in the face of automation.
Everyday
After the factory closed, he decided to reskill and become a web developer.
Technical
The vocational training framework includes modules designed specifically for reskilling mid-career professionals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reskill”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reskill”
- Confusing 'reskill' with 'upskill'. 'Reskill' implies a shift to a *different* set of skills, not just improving current ones.
- Using it intransitively without a clear object or goal: 'He is reskilling.' (Better: 'He is reskilling to become a data analyst.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it emerged in the mid-20th century but gained widespread use in the early 21st century with rapid technological change.
It's not standard. 'Reskill' is strongly tied to employment and professional competence. For hobbies, use 'learn' or 'take up'.
The process is 'reskilling'. A person undergoing it can be called a 'reskiller' (less common).
It is standard as one word: 'reskill'. The hyphenated form 're-skill' is less common but occasionally seen.
To train someone or oneself in new skills, especially to adapt to a changing job market.
Reskill is usually professional, business, media, educational in register.
Reskill: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈskɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈskɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms with 'reskill' as a fixed component]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-learn SKILLS. You are learning skills AGAIN, but new ones for a new job.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAREER IS A PATH/JOURNEY (reskilling is changing direction or getting a new vehicle for the journey). TOOLS FOR WORK (acquiring a new set of tools).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key semantic difference between 'reskill' and 'upskill'?