B2adjective 2K

Skilled

UK /["/skɪld/"]/ US /["/skɪld/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

having enough ability, experience and knowledge to be able to do something well

Listen to definition

In simple words: Good at doing something because of practice

Examples

• a skilled engineer/negotiator/craftsman
• a shortage of **skilled labour** *(= people who have had training in a skill)*
• She is **highly skilled** at dealing with difficult customers.
• She wasn't very skilled with the camera yet.
• They were skilled in the art of war.
• We have a shortage of technically skilled workers.
• She's highly skilled at dealing with difficult customers.
• Furniture-making is very skilled work.
• Interviewing is a very skilled job.

Usage notes

Use 'skilled' to describe someone's ability in a certain area, especially in a professional or artistic context. It's appropriate in both casual and formal settings.

Grammar pattern

skilled + at + gerund/noun

Memory hint

Think of 'skill' — you become 'skilled' when you practice your skills.

Collocations

• be
• become
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• at
• in
• with
• skilled in the art (of something)
• be
• become
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• at
• in
• with
• skilled in the art (of something)

Synonyms

• expert

Antonyms

• unskilled
• inexperienced
• inept

Common mistakes

• Using 'skilled' with 'to' instead of 'at' (e.g., 'skilled to play' instead of 'skilled at playing')
• Confusing 'skilled' with 'skillful' — while similar, 'skillful' often refers to someone who is good at doing something in a practical context.
• Overusing 'skilled' when a more specific word (like 'talented' or 'expert') would be more fitting.