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skillful

Adjective
comp: more skillfulsup: most skillful

Describes a high level of competence that blends technical knowledge with physical or mental dexterity. It suggests an effortless quality where the person's mastery makes a difficult task look easy. While "competent" means meeting a required standard and "expert" implies deep theoretical knowledge, "skillful" emphasizes the successful application of that knowledge in real-time action. Generally carries a positive connotation. It is frequently used in professional contexts (surgery, craftsmanship) or artistic ones (painting, playing an instrument) where precision and finesse are paramount.

💬Conversación Casual

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Victoria is reviewing a botched quarterly report while David is in a meeting.
Victoria

This slide deck is a train wreck. Where is the skillful analysis I asked for?

Victoria
David Smith
David Smith

My bad. I'll circle back and touch base with the team to tighten it up.

💡
Victoria uses 'skillful' to demand a level of professional expertise that David's work lacks. The phrase 'train wreck' is an idiom for a complete disaster, while David responds with corporate buzzwords ('circle back', 'touch base') to mask his nervousness.

Meanings

Adjective

Possessing or exercising skill; adept in the use of tools, techniques, or knowledge.

"The skillful surgeon performed the complex operation with precision."

Last Updated: May 26, 2026Report an Error