English Reference
Adjective

skillful

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈskɪɫfəɫ/ UK /skˈɪlfəl/ skill·ful

adj.having or showing the ability to do something very well. You use this to describe someone who has practiced a lot and is an expert at their work or hobby.

adj.possessing or displaying a high degree of proficiency or dexterity in a specific area. Often used to describe professional competence or physical coordination.


SIMPLE

The skillful surgeon performed the operation with great care.

CONTEXTUAL

The skillful negotiator managed to find a solution that satisfied both the company and the workers.

COMPLEX

The novel is a skillful blend of historical fact and imaginative fiction, weaving together real events with a cast of compellingly human characters.

Usage

Commonly modified by adverbs of degree like 'highly' or 'extremely'.

Pitfall
he is skillful in play guitarhe is skillful at playing guitar

When followed by an activity, use the preposition 'at' plus the -ing form of the verb.


From Middle English skilful, skylfull, scelvol, equivalent to skill + -ful.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English skilful
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated