low skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low skills" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a limited level of ability or proficiency in a particular area or task. Example: "The job requires advanced technical knowledge, but many applicants only possess low skills in this field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He said skilled migration was much more likely than migration by people with low skills to be complementary to British labour and capital, adding: "They contribute, net, to productivity, the public finances and the employment prospects of local labour".

The Guardian

Single parenthood and low skills are a devastating combination.

The Economist

"This is a misguided and poorly targeted way to help people with low skills," he said.

The Guardian - Money

Large chunks of the economy are characterised by low skills, low wages, and low productivity.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The percentage of people with university degrees in England deemed to have low skills is exceptionally small.

The Guardian

And surely the chancellor must also deal efficiently with important matters like improving low skills and creating decent summer schools.

The New York Times

We have seen big business drive this country's economy into one of low wages, low skills, and low productivity.

The Guardian

The issue we have to deal with is people with low skills competing for entry-level jobs".

The Guardian

Because of its lack of investment in education, Mexico now combines high costs with relatively low skills.

The Economist

At its heart was a demand that the poor go to work, even those with very young children, low skills and low wages.

The New York Times

The OECD said young people who leave school at 16 with low skills are facing increasing challenges in finding a job.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing workforce development, specify which "low skills" you are referring to for clarity. For example, "low digital literacy skills" or "low problem-solving skills".

Common error

Avoid using "low skills" as a blanket term without specifying the specific skills that are lacking. This can lead to misinterpretation and ineffective solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low skills" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a state of having insufficient or underdeveloped abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low skills" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a deficiency in abilities or expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While the term is generally acceptable, it is important to specify the particular skills that are lacking to avoid overgeneralization and ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "limited skill set" or "inadequate expertise" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited skill set

Emphasizes the restricted range of abilities.

basic skills

Focuses on fundamental rather than advanced abilities.

inadequate expertise

Highlights a deficiency in specialized knowledge or proficiency.

poor capabilities

Stresses the lack of inherent capacity or aptitude.

deficient skill level

Specifically points to a substandard level of proficiency.

underdeveloped abilities

Indicates that skills are not fully formed or realized.

minimal training

Highlights the lack of formal instruction or preparation.

lack of proficiency

Directly states the absence of competence in a particular area.

reduced competencies

Focuses on the diminished capacity to perform specific tasks.

insufficient skillset

Indicates that the range of skills is not enough.

FAQs

How can I use "low skills" in a sentence?

You can use "low skills" to describe a lack of proficiency in certain abilities. For example, "The program aims to improve the "low skills" of unemployed workers".

What are some alternatives to saying "low skills"?

Alternatives include "limited skill set", "basic skills", or "inadequate expertise" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "low skills" or "lack of skills"?

"Low skills" implies a degree of skill, albeit insufficient, while "lack of skills" suggests a complete absence. The best choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.

What are the consequences of a workforce with "low skills"?

A workforce with "low skills" can lead to reduced productivity, lower wages, and difficulty competing in the global market.