What's the difference between adept and skilled?

How is adept different from skilled?

Is adept used in business writing?

Is adept common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

adept

/əˈdɛpt/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Skilled or proficient; able to do something well.

She is adept at managing complex projects.
His speech was adept and persuasive.
They are adept problem solvers.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: compare with skilled, proficient, or capable. Use adept for a smooth, polished ability that feels effortless, while skilled is more general, proficient stresses measured competence, and capable highlights readiness.

In other languages

Spanish: Hábil
Japanese: 上手な
Korean: 서투름없이 능숙한
Vietnamese: thạo
Chinese: 熟练的

Common phrases

adept atadept inhighly adeptbe adept

Synonyms

skilled proficient capable competent expert

Related words

skill expert talent capable proficient

Frequently asked questions

Is adept formal or informal?: Is adept formal or informal?
What's the difference between adept and skilled?: How is adept different from skilled?
Can adept be used as a noun?: Can adept be used as a noun?
Is adept used in business writing?: Is adept common in academic writing?