Skillfulness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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skillfulness

[ˈskɪlfʊlnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in creative work

The quality of being skilled or talented in a particular area, especially in creative work.

Synonyms

competence, expertise, proficiency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
skillfulness	Used to describe someone's ability to perform a task with a high degree of dexterity and precision, often in creative or artistic fields. Her skillfulness in painting is evident in the detailed brush strokes The magician performed with such skillfulness that the audience was left in awe
expertise	Implying in-depth knowledge and advanced skills in a particular area, often gained through significant experience and education. We hired her for her expertise in cybersecurity His expertise in ancient history makes him a valuable asset to the museum
proficiency	Refers to a high degree of skill or competence in a particular activity or field, often emphasizing practical ability acquired through practice. Her proficiency in multiple languages is impressive John's proficiency at playing the piano is evident in his flawless performance at the concert
competence	Refers to the ability to do something successfully or efficiently, often used in professional or academic settings to describe a satisfactory level of performance. The engineer demonstrated his competence by solving the complex problem quickly Her competence in handling customer service is unmatched in the team

Examples of usage

He demonstrated great skillfulness in his paintings.
Her skillfulness in designing websites is impressive.
The team's skillfulness in problem-solving led to their success.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in sports

The ability to perform with agility, accuracy, and coordination, especially in sports.

Synonyms

adroitness, dexterity, prowess.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
skillfulness	Serves the same use as 'skillfulness': describing proficient ability or expertise with a general focus. Their skillfulness in customer service has greatly improved the company's reputation The chef's skillfulness in the kitchen is unmatched
dexterity	Often used to indicate physical skill, particularly with the hands, emphasizing precision and coordination. The surgeon's dexterity was key to the success of the operation Her dexterity with knitting needles is truly impressive
adroitness	Best suited for situations requiring mental agility, cleverness, or deftness in handling situations or people. His adroitness in negotiation saved the company a lot of money The politician's adroitness allowed him to navigate the scandal with minimal damage
prowess	Used to highlight exceptional ability or skill, typically in a specific field, and often has a connotation of bravery or strength. The athlete's prowess on the soccer field earned her numerous accolades His prowess in battlefield strategy was renowned throughout the region

Examples of usage

The player's skillfulness on the field is unmatched.
Her skillfulness in basketball is evident in every game.
Training can enhance skillfulness in sports.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research indicates that practicing a skill can enhance cognitive function, making your brain more efficient.
The concept of 'deliberate practice' suggests that being skillful often results from engaging in purposeful and focused practice.
Skillfulness can contribute to improved self-esteem, as mastering tasks can boost confidence in one’s abilities.

Education

Educational systems worldwide emphasize skill development, using hands-on learning to enhance practical and critical thinking skills.
Skillfulness in communication is vital in education, enabling effective sharing of ideas and fostering teamwork among students.
Teachers often create skill-building exercises that not only cover curriculum content but also prepare students for real-world challenges.

Pop Culture

In many action movies, characters display extreme skillfulness, leading audiences to admire their abilities and aspire to emulate them.
Skill-based video games have surged in popularity, encouraging players to develop their skills and compete against others.
Skillfulness is often a theme in sports and music documentaries, highlighting the dedication needed to reach the top of one’s field.

Technology

The rise of automation has redefined what skillfulness means, highlighting a shift toward digital skills amid changing job landscapes.
Online courses and resources now allow anyone to enhance their skillfulness in areas such as coding, design, and even cooking.
Artificial intelligence continues to develop skillfulness in machines, creating systems that can perform tasks that usually require human expertise.

Origin of 'skillfulness'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old Norse word 'skil' meaning 'to separate' or 'distinguish', reflecting how skills help us differentiate capability.
The suffix '-fulness' indicates a state of having a quality, making 'skillfulness' mean the state of having skill.
The usage of this term has evolved over centuries, with early forms relating to craftsmanship and practical abilities.

The word 'skillfulness' originated from the Middle English word 'skilfulnes', which was derived from the Old Norse word 'skilfulness'. The term has been used to describe the quality of being skilled or talented in various areas, such as creative work and sports. Skillfulness is often valued in different professions and activities, highlighting the importance of expertise and proficiency.