skillful

SKIHL-fuhl

Skillful (adj) means having or showing a high level of ability or expertise. Example: “He's a skillful negotiator who rarely loses a deal.”

adj

Having or showing a high level of ability or expertise.

"He's a skillful negotiator who rarely loses a deal."

"The skillful use of lighting made the film feel eerie."

How to use skillful

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishShowing real ability or expert technique.

UK vs US

American spelling; British English typically uses "skilful."

Easily confused with

skilful →

Common pairings

skillful handling skillful player

more skillful comparative, most skillful superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

He's a _____ negotiator who rarely loses a deal.

From Middle English "skilful," from "skill" plus "-ful."

Origin: Middle English

willful

What does “skillful” mean?

The word “skillful” means having or showing a high level of ability or expertise. In plain terms, showing real ability or expert technique.

How do you pronounce “skillful”?

“Skillful” is pronounced SKIHL-fuhl (/ˈskɪl.fəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “skillful” in a sentence?

Here is “skillful” used in a sentence: “He's a skillful negotiator who rarely loses a deal.”

What part of speech is “skillful”?

“Skillful” is an adjective.

Where does the word “skillful” come from?

The word “skillful” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "skilful," from "skill" plus "-ful.".

Vocabulary lists that include skillful: