adroit

USAGE SUMMARY

'adroit' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means skilled or clever, and is typically used to describe the actions of a person. Example sentence: The adroit mechanic was able to repair the car in record time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well-built, forceful yet technically adroit, and an excellent passer, he kept his place in the team.

The Guardian

Though initially playing at a Boundary Park with an even smaller capacity than Bournemouth's home, Oldham thrived for a few seasons in the Premier League – many will remember how they came within a last-gasp Mark Hughes semi-final volley of sabotaging Manchester United's first league and cup double in 1994 – mainly through Royle's adroit management and eye for a player.

The Guardian - Sport

He has proved himself to be a shrewd operator - adroit at knowing when to fight and when to talk - and how to combine the two strategies to maintain his leading position among Shias.

The Guardian - Opinion

Size, or perceptions thereof, matters immensely to men and your suggestion of standard sizing or bar coding is no substitute for adroit salesmanship or clever marketing.

The Economist

The leasing business ticks a number of boxes: it has a low public profile and is dependent on access to cheap money rather than adroit management of personalities (a problem that has dogged Nomura since its splashy acquisition of Lehman Brothers' European and Asian investment-banking businesses).Japan's largest financial institution, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, has adopted the subtle approach.

The Economist

There was Mr Ward, with his very adroit motion for inquiring into the peculiar burdens alleged to be laid on land.

The Economist

If the government had lost the vote, it would, just about, have been finished.In this section Escalation Kingmaker, but not king Breaking the ice Keeping it in the family Putting og in the yurt Pitiful On the prowl ReprintsWithout an outright majority in either house in parliament, Congress had to do some adroit alliance-building.

The Economist

The candidate of the opposition Likud party, they say, can always count on help from long-established organisations that support West Bank settlements and religious institutions and are adroit at fund-raising abroad.

The Economist

Making a little difference ReprintsThe challenger is an adroit dealmaker with strong networks in north and south, aided by four wives from different parts of the country.

The Economist

And you might remember that a certain senator from Illinois proved pretty adroit at capturing online donations and using social media to organise campaign volunteers.

The Economist

Mr Draghi is proving to be as adroit a diplomat and politician as he is a central banker.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adroit" when you want to emphasize both skill and cleverness in handling a situation or task. It's particularly effective when describing someone who navigates complex or challenging circumstances with finesse.

Common error

While "adroit" is generally suitable for formal and professional contexts, avoid overusing it in very informal settings where simpler words like "skilled" or "clever" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "adroit" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something possessing skill and cleverness. As Ludwig AI describes, "adroit" means skilled or clever and is typically used to describe the actions of a person. For example, "adroit management" or "an adroit politician".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

38%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adroit" is a versatile adjective used to describe someone or something that displays skill and cleverness. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. According to Ludwig AI, the term is suitable for describing actions of people. While alternatives like "skillful" or "clever" exist, "adroit" specifically emphasizes a blend of competence and resourcefulness. To ensure effective communication, use "adroit" when highlighting the combined skill and cleverness in complex situations. The analysis confirms that the word is widely used and accepted in various professional and academic domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skillful

Focuses directly on possessing skill, omitting the nuance of cleverness or dexterity.

deft

Emphasizes quickness and skill in movement, especially of the hands.

dexterous

Highlights physical or mental skill and quickness.

clever

Stresses intelligence and inventiveness, potentially lacking the skill aspect.

adept

Indicates proficiency or expertise, similar to skillful but perhaps more formal.

nimble

Suggests agility and quickness in either body or mind.

proficient

Implies competence and mastery, often in a specific field or task.

expert

Highlights extensive knowledge and ability, suggesting a high level of competence.

accomplished

Suggests a high level of achievement and skill acquired through practice.

masterful

Emphasizes exceptional skill and control, often implying a commanding presence.

FAQs

How can I use "adroit" in a sentence?

"Adroit" is used to describe someone who is skillful and clever, often in a practical way. For example, "The "adroit negotiator" secured a favorable deal for the company."

What are some synonyms for "adroit"?

Synonyms for "adroit" include "skillful", "deft", "dexterous", and "clever". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "adroit" formal or informal?

"Adroit" is generally considered a formal word. While appropriate in professional and academic contexts, it might sound slightly out of place in very casual conversation.

What is the difference between "adroit" and "skillful"?

While both words describe competence, "adroit" implies a combination of skill and cleverness, suggesting someone who is not only capable but also resourceful and quick-witted. "Skillful" simply denotes competence in a particular area.