B1adjective2K

Experienced

UK /["/ɪkˈspɪəriənst/"]/US /["/ɪkˈspɪriənst/"]/

Definition

having knowledge or skill in a particular job or activity

In simple words: Someone who has done something for a long time and knows a lot about it.

Examples

  • an **experienced player/teacher**
  • She's **highly experienced** in software development.
  • He's very experienced in looking after animals.
  • The staff are all highly experienced.
  • The task needs the skills of a suitably experienced engineer.
  • a widely experienced and articulate politician
  • She's very young and not very experienced.
  • an experienced traveller *(= somebody who has travelled a lot)*
  • She was more mature, more experienced.

Usage notes

Use 'experienced' to describe someone who has skill or knowledge from practical experience. Avoid in very formal contexts where more specific terms might be more suitable.

Grammar pattern

experienced + object

Memory hint

Think of an 'expert' who has 'experience' under their belt.

Collocations

  • be
  • seem
  • sound
  • extremely
  • highly
  • really
  • in
  • be
  • seem
  • sound
  • extremely
  • highly
  • really
  • in

Synonyms

  • skilled
  • proficient
  • trained
  • knowledgeable
  • adept

Antonyms

  • inexperienced
  • novice
  • unskilled

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'experimental', which means trying something new.
  • Using 'experienced' as a noun instead of an adjective.
  • Saying 'more experienced' instead of 'more experienced than' when making comparisons.