What does skilful mean?
Skilful means having or showing the ability to do something well, especially through competence, precision, or effective technique. It is commonly used for people whose expertise is evident in their work, but it can also modify actions, methods, movements, and handling: a skilful player, a skilful technique, or skilful diplomacy. The word carries a positive, approving tone and suggests more than basic competence; it implies that someone has developed reliable control and judgment. In British English, skilful is the standard spelling, while US English usually spells it skillful with two l’s. Although the spelling difference is small, the word itself is useful because it gives a concise way to describe excellence grounded in practical ability rather than merely knowledge.
adjectiveHaving or displaying skill; able to perform a task or activity with competence, precision, and effectiveness.
- Possessing or demonstrating competence, dexterity, or effective technique in an activity.
"Her skilful handling of a difficult negotiation won the admiration of the entire team."
"The surgeon was praised for her skilful use of the new technique."
"His skilful performance in the final secured a place on the national team."
One extra l separates British skilful from US skillful, but knowing both spellings is the quickest way to avoid a spelling slip.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skilful come from?
Skilful is an English formation built from the noun skill and the adjective-forming suffix -ful, a pattern that produces many descriptive English words. The related adjective skilled follows a parallel development from the same root. In British English the conventional form is skilful, whereas US English generally uses the doubled-l spelling skillful.
Related word forms
How skilful is actually used
Skilful is a standard adjective in British English; US English generally uses the spelling skillful. It can describe people, movements, techniques, or handling, and is often more formal than simply saying good or expert.
Easily confused with skilful
Skilful is the usual British spelling, with one l before f, while skillful is the usual US spelling, with two.