A1 noun Neutral #3,311 most common

skill

/skɪl/

A skill is an ability to do something well, usually because you have learned it and practiced it. It refers to the expertise or talent needed to perform a specific task or activity successfully.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Learning to drive is a useful skill for everyday life.

Learning to drive is a helpful ability for daily life.

2

The applicant possesses the necessary technical skills for this position.

The candidate has the required technical abilities for this job.

3

You've got a real skill for fixing broken toys!

You are very good at repairing toys that don't work!

Word Family

Noun
skill
Verb
upskill
Adverb
skillfully
Adjective
skilled
Related
skillset
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Skill' and 'Will'. You need the 'Will' (desire) to learn a 'Skill'.

Quick Quiz

Coding is a very important ___ for computer programmers to have.

Correct!

The correct answer is: skill

Examples

1

Learning to drive is a useful skill for everyday life.

everyday

Learning to drive is a helpful ability for daily life.

2

The applicant possesses the necessary technical skills for this position.

formal

The candidate has the required technical abilities for this job.

3

You've got a real skill for fixing broken toys!

informal

You are very good at repairing toys that don't work!

4

Writing academic essays requires a specific set of analytical skills.

academic

Producing university papers needs certain thinking abilities.

5

Management is looking to improve the leadership skills of the staff.

business

The directors want to help the workers become better leaders.

Word Family

Noun
skill
Verb
upskill
Adverb
skillfully
Adjective
skilled
Related
skillset

Common Collocations

develop a skill to improve an ability over time
communication skills the ability to talk and listen to others well
practical skills abilities related to doing physical or real-world tasks
basic skills simple but necessary abilities like reading or writing
lack of skill not having the ability to do something well

Common Phrases

social skills

the ability to interact well with other people

transferable skills

abilities that can be used in many different jobs

hard skills

teachable abilities that can be measured, like typing or math

Often Confused With

skill vs talent

Talent is often a natural ability you are born with, while a skill is usually learned through practice.

skill vs ability

Ability is a more general word for being able to do something, while skill implies a level of expertise.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'skill' is a countable noun. You can have one skill or many skills.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'make' with skill; however, the correct verbs are 'develop', 'learn', or 'improve' a skill.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Skill' and 'Will'. You need the 'Will' (desire) to learn a 'Skill'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Norse word 'skil', meaning distinction, knowledge, or understanding.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (skill/skills) Often used with 'at' or 'in' (e.g., 'skill at painting' or 'skill in coding')
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, 'soft skills' like empathy and teamwork are now highly valued alongside technical 'hard skills'.

Quick Quiz

Coding is a very important ___ for computer programmers to have.

Correct!

The correct answer is: skill

More Education words

university

A1

A university is a high-level educational institution where students study for degrees and conduct academic research. It is a place people go after finishing secondary school to specialize in a specific subject.

classroom

A1

A classroom is a dedicated room in a school or college where students and teachers meet for lessons. It typically contains desks, chairs, and tools for learning like a whiteboard or computer.

science

A1

Science is the study of the natural world based on facts learned through experiments and observation. It is a subject taught in schools that helps us understand how the physical world and the universe work.

geography

A1

Geography is the study of the Earth's surface and its physical features like mountains, rivers, and oceans. It also looks at how people live in different parts of the world and how they interact with their environment.

literature

A1

Literature refers to written works such as novels, plays, and poems that are considered to be very good or important. It can also refer to printed information about a particular subject or business.

chemistry

A1

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies what things are made of and how they react with each other. It is also a common subject taught in schools and universities.

economics

A1

Economics is the study of how people, businesses, and countries use money and resources. It explains how things are made, bought, and sold in the world.

notebook

A1

A book with blank or lined pages used for writing notes, drawing, or keeping records. It is a common tool for students, artists, and professionals to organize their thoughts and information.

pencil

A1

A long, thin instrument used for writing or drawing, typically consisting of a thin stick of graphite enclosed in a wooden case. Unlike pens, marks made with this tool can be easily removed using an eraser.

pen

A1

A pen is a common handheld tool used for writing or drawing with ink on paper. It is a basic piece of stationery essential for education, office work, and personal record-keeping.

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