skilled

The word “skilled” means having a high level of ability, especially through training or experience. In plain terms, competent and well-trained, or (of work) requiring that kind of training.

“Skilled” is pronounced skihld (/skɪld/ in IPA).

Here is “skilled” used in a sentence: “She's a skilled surgeon with decades of practice.”

Words with a similar meaning to “skilled” include able, artful, habile, accomplished, adept and adroit.

The opposite of “skilled” — its antonyms — are amateurish, bungling, clumsy, inapt and incapable.

“Skilled” is an adjective.

“Skilled” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Skilled” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a high level of ability, especially through training or experience.

Skilled usually means having ability gained through training or experience, or requiring such training, as in 'a skilled worker.' Skilful (or skillful in American English) describes showing ability in a particular action, as in 'a skilful pass,' so skilled often describes a person's qualification while skilful describes a performance.

Skilled ability is developed through training, practice, or experience. Talent is a natural aptitude a person is born with, so someone can be talented without being skilled if they have not trained, or skilled without being especially talented.

Skilled is usually followed by 'at' or 'in,' as in 'skilled at negotiation' or 'skilled in carpentry.' 'At' tends to go with activities and 'in' with fields or disciplines.

Skilled labour requires special training, qualifications, or expertise, such as electricians or nurses. Unskilled labour involves tasks that need little formal training, so the distinction reflects the level of expertise a job demands.