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Definition of skillful

skillful

/ˈskɪl.fəl/
(UK: skilful)
skill · ful
Adverb:skillfully
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skillful Lexical Profile

skillful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

American Having or showing a high degree of practical ability, training, or expertise in performing a task (of a person, or of an action or work).

Example

"The restoration of the centuries-old painting required the steady hand of a skillful conservator."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Spelled "skillful" in American English and "skilful" (with a single "l" in the root) in British and Commonwealth English.

• Rhymes for skillful

• Nearby Words

skill
skilled
skillet
skillful
skillfully
skillfulness
skillset

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English "skilful" (originally meaning reasonable, discerning, or judicious), formed from "skil" (from Old Norse "skil", meaning distinction or discernment) and the suffix "-ful".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Skillful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/skillful
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