skillful

Skillful is an adjective describing someone or something that demonstrates or possesses a high level of skill. It denotes the ability to perform tasks with precision, competence, and adeptness. The term emphasizes the quality of execution rather than mere possession of knowledge, and it is commonly applied to people, performances, techniques, and practices across domains such as the arts, crafts, sports, and professions.

Etymology and spelling: The word derives from the noun "skill" combined with the suffix "-ful." In American English the preferred form is "skillful"; in British English both "skillful" and "skilful" are used, with "skilful" more common in some varieties of British English.

Usage notes: "Skillful" often implies not only ability but also artistry or deftness in execution. In some contexts, it conveys a sense of practiced competence, whereas "skilled" serves as a broader attribute. For example, a "skillful painter" may emphasize finesse in technique, while a "skilled painter" highlights training and proven ability.

Common collocations include "skillful performance," "skillful handling," "skillful maneuvering," and "skillful diplomacy." The adverb form is "skillfully" and the related noun is "skillfulness."

See also: Synonyms include adept, adroit, proficient, and dexterous; antonyms include clumsy, inept, and unskilled.