What does skilfully mean?
Skilfully is an adverb meaning that something is done with skill, precision, and competence. It commonly describes the execution of a physical task, such as driving, handling equipment, or manoeuvring, but it can also apply to more abstract activities, including editing, negotiating, teaching, or managing a situation. The word is especially common in British English, while American English normally spells it skillfully with two l’s. In formal writing, skilfully conveys not merely success but controlled, accomplished performance, often implying that the method involved judgment as well as technical ability. It is therefore more specific than simply doing something well and more approving than merely doing something without mistakes.
adverbIn a skilful manner, with skill, precision, and competence.
- Done with skill, precision, and competence.
"The emergency team handled the delicate operation skilfully and without unnecessary delay."
"She edited the final chapter skilfully, preserving the author's voice while tightening the prose."
"The driver skilfully steered around the obstacle and continued along the narrow road."
A polished performance can be called skilfully done—and spelling it skillfully with two l’s makes it unmistakably American.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does skilfully come from?
Skilfully was formed in English from skilful, an adjective derived from skill, with the adverbial suffix -ly. The adjective skilful and its family of forms developed during the medieval period as English expanded its vocabulary of craft, ability, and expertise. The modern British and American spellings differ only in whether the final part of skilful is written with one l or two, reflecting the standard spelling conventions of British and American English respectively.
Related word forms
How skilfully is actually used
The standard British spelling is skilfully, with one l after ski; American English generally uses skillfully. It is formal in register but natural in professional, academic, and descriptive contexts.
Easily confused with skilfully
Skilfully is the standard British spelling, while skillfully is the usual American spelling; both have the same meaning and pronunciation.