skilled
/skɪld/
Skilled is an adjective used to describe someone who has a high level of ability or expertise in a particular area, usually gained through training or experience. It is generally used in a positive way to praise someone's competence. 'Skilled' is often followed by 'at' and then the activity or subject where the person has expertise (e.g., skilled at painting, skilled at negotiation). It can also be used with 'in' for broader areas of knowledge or practice (e.g., skilled in medicine, skilled in diplomacy).
💬Casual Conversation
THAT PLUMBER WAS NOT VERY SKILLED AT ALL. HAD TO CALL HIM BACK.
He was just upskilling, Mom. It's a new process.
Collocations & Compounds
skilled worker
A person who has the knowledge and ability to do a particular job well.
The factory relies on a team of skilled workers to operate the machinery.
skilled trade
A type of job that requires special training and abilities.
Electrician is a skilled trade that is in high demand.
skilled labor
Workers who have specialized knowledge and training.
The construction project requires a significant amount of skilled labor.
highly skilled
Possessing a great deal of expertise or ability in a particular area.
She is a highly skilled surgeon with years of experience.
skilled professional
An individual who works in a profession requiring specialized knowledge and training.
The company is looking to hire skilled professionals for its new division.
Cultural Context
The Skilled Artisan: From Guilds to the Digital Age
The concept of being "skilled" is deeply intertwined with the history of human craftsmanship and the evolution of labor. For centuries, mastery in a trade was not just about innate talent but about rigorous apprenticeship and the transmission of knowledge within guilds. These medieval organizations set standards for quality, regulated training, and protected their members' livelihoods. A "skilled" baker, blacksmith, or weaver was a respected member of society, their expertise honed over years of dedicated practice, often beginning in childhood.
This tradition carried through the Industrial Revolution, though the nature of "skilled" labor began to shift. While some crafts were devalued by mass production, new forms of technical expertise emerged. Operating complex machinery, precision engineering, and later, the burgeoning fields of electrical and mechanical engineering, all required a new breed of "skilled" worker. The emphasis moved from manual dexterity in traditional crafts to a more technical and often theoretical understanding of processes.
Today, in the digital age, the definition of "skilled" continues to expand. We speak of "skilled" programmers who can architect complex software, "skilled" data scientists who can extract insights from vast datasets, and "skilled" digital artists who create immersive virtual worlds. The core principle, however, remains: a high degree of competence, achieved through learning, practice, and often a deep, nuanced understanding of a particular domain. The journey to becoming "skilled" is a testament to human dedication, the pursuit of excellence, and the continuous adaptation of our abilities to the changing world.
Etymology
The word 'skilled' originates from the Old Norse word 'skil', meaning 'distinction' or 'discernment'. It evolved into the English word 'skill', referring to the ability to do something well, often gained through practice. The adjective 'skilled' emerged in the 17th century to describe someone possessing such abilities.