skill
HighNeutral; formal and informal
Definition
Meaning
The ability to do something well, especially through training, practice, or experience.
A particular acquired ability or type of expertise, often applied practically in a specific domain such as work, sport, or craft.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a learned, practiced proficiency, not innate talent. Often used as a countable noun for specific abilities and as an uncountable noun for the general concept.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The verb form is rare in both but occasionally used in US business jargon.
Connotations
Equally positive in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English in contexts like vocational training ('skills training', 'transferable skills').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
skill in/at (doing) somethingskill as somethingthe skill to do somethingwith/without skillVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Skill set”
- “A game of skill (vs. chance)”
- “More by luck than by skill”
- “The skill of the craft”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to employee competencies crucial for a role ('soft skills', 'upskilling').
Academic
Used in educational research on learning outcomes and vocational studies.
Everyday
Common in discussing hobbies, sports, and general capabilities ('cooking skill', 'driving skill').
Technical
Specific, measurable proficiency in a defined area (e.g., 'programming skill', 'surgical skill').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The project will skill up local workers.
- (Rare) They aim to skill the workforce for the digital age.
American English
- The program is designed to skill employees in data analysis.
- (Jargon) We need to skill our team on the new platform.
adverb
British English
- She performed the task skilfully.
- He skilfully avoided the question.
American English
- She performed the task skillfully.
- He skillfully negotiated the deal.
adjective
British English
- She is a highly skilled carpenter.
- Skilled labour is in short demand.
American English
- He is a skilled negotiator.
- We are looking for a skilled worker.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Reading is an important skill.
- She has good computer skills.
- He learned the skill quickly.
- Good communication skills are essential for this job.
- You need a lot of skill to play the violin well.
- The job requires both technical and practical skills.
- His diplomatic skills helped to resolve the conflict peacefully.
- The course aims to equip students with transferable skills for the modern workplace.
- Crafting such detailed jewellery demands immense patience and skill.
- The surgeon's consummate skill was evident in the minimally invasive procedure.
- While talent provides a foundation, it is the relentless honing of skill that distinguishes the virtuoso.
- The policy focuses on upskilling the adult population to meet the challenges of economic automation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SKILL: Special Knowledge and Inherent Learned Labour.
Conceptual Metaphor
Skill is a tool. (e.g., 'add to your toolbox of skills', 'sharpen your skills').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not directly equivalent to 'умение' or 'навык' in all contexts. 'Skill' is more about demonstrated proficiency, while 'навык' implies a more automated, practiced action. 'Talent' or 'gift' is 'талант', not 'skill'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'skill' as an uncountable noun when a plural is needed ('He has great communication skill' -> 'skills'). Confusing 'skillful' (adj.) with 'skilled' (adj.).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the word 'skill'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As a general concept, it's uncountable ('It takes great skill'). For specific abilities, it's countable ('He has many skills').
They are often interchangeable, but 'skilled' is more common for trained, professional competence ('a skilled electrician'), while 'skillful' often emphasises adept, clever execution ('a skillful performance').
It is rare and considered jargon, primarily in business/HR contexts (e.g., 'upskill', 'reskill'). The standard verb forms are 'to train' or 'to teach'.
Hard skills are technical, teachable abilities (e.g., coding, accounting). Soft skills are interpersonal and behavioural traits (e.g., teamwork, communication).
Collections
Part of a collection
Work and Jobs
A2 · 49 words · Jobs, professions and the world of work.
Workplace Vocabulary
B1 · 48 words · Professional language for the working environment.