# skill

/ˈskɪɫ/ (US) · /skˈɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/skill
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. learned ability

noun · CEFR A1

the ability to do something well because you have learned and practiced it.

For teachers: the learned capacity or proficiency to perform a task effectively, often contrasted with innate talent.

- Learning to cook is a useful skill that you will use every day.
- The job description emphasizes the need for strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

### 2. software feature

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a specific task or feature that an AI or smart device can perform.

For teachers: a modular software capability or automated task configuration, particularly within the context of voice assistants or AI agents.

- I added a new skill to my smart speaker so it can play rain sounds at night.
- Developers are creating custom skills for the platform to allow users to check their bank balances via voice commands.

### 3. excellent

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang · Informal

a word used to say that something is very good or cool.

For teachers: an evaluative term used to denote excellence or high quality.

- That new bike you got is absolutely skill.
- The local teenagers described the new skate park as skill, though the term is rarely heard among older generations.

### 4. to upgrade a character

verb · CEFR B1 · Informal

in video games, to spend points to make your character better at something.

For teachers: to allocate experience points or resources to enhance a character's specific abilities within a game system.

- I need to skill my character in archery before we fight the dragon.
- Players must decide whether to skill their avatars in defensive magic or physical strength early in the campaign.

## Examples

- She has the skill to fix any car engine.
- Learning to play the piano requires a lot of practice and the development of fine motor skills.
- The modern job market increasingly values soft skills such as emotional intelligence and adaptability alongside technical proficiency in specific software or machinery.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.