not skilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not skilled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who lacks a certain ability or expertise. For example, "The student was not skilled in reading comprehension, so he needed extra help from his teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Except not skilled trades.

The New York Times - Magazine

You are not skilled in navigating non-linear politics.

The Guardian

The earth isn't dumb, but we are not skilled enough.

The Guardian - Books

It was also very medically oriented, "but she needed custodial care, not skilled nursing".

The New York Times

Q: And they were not skilled at holding the trust to account.

The Guardian

Q: You said you were not "skilled" to hold the Mid Staffs trust to account.

The Guardian

Q: You said you were not skilled to hold a trust to account.

The Guardian

Investors often complain that Ugandans are not skilled or hard-working enough.

The Economist

It also provides postproduction help for people who are not skilled at Photoshop.

The New York Times - Tech

Babies with complex heart conditions died in operations at the Bristol Royal Infirmary where surgeons were not skilled enough.

The Guardian

Companies that were quick to release a new product but not skilled at tinkering have tended to flame out.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not skilled", specify the area of skill or expertise that is lacking for clarity. For example, "not skilled in data analysis" is more informative than simply "not skilled".

Common error

Avoid using "not skilled" without context. Saying someone is "not skilled" without specifying the area can be vague and unhelpful. Instead, be specific about the particular skill that is lacking. E.g., instead of: He's not skilled, say: He's "not skilled in negotiation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not skilled" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of ability or expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not skilled" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a lack of proficiency in a particular area. As Ludwig AI explains, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the skill that is lacking. While alternatives like "unskilled" or "inexperienced" exist, "not skilled" provides a neutral and widely understood way to convey a lack of competence. Remember to provide context to avoid vagueness and maximize the effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unskilled

Single word alternative; less formal.

not proficient

Synonymous, but sounds slightly more formal.

inexperienced

Focuses on a lack of experience as the reason for lacking skill.

untrained

Highlights the absence of formal training.

not adept

Similar in meaning, perhaps less common in everyday language.

lacking expertise

More formal way of expressing a lack of skill.

deficient in skill

Emphasizes a deficit or shortage of skill.

not masterful

Implies lacking a high level of skill or mastery.

not qualified

Suggests a lack of the necessary qualifications or credentials.

incompetent

Stronger negative connotation, implying inability.

FAQs

What does "not skilled" mean?

The phrase "not skilled" indicates a lack of proficiency, expertise, or ability in a particular task, area, or discipline. It suggests someone has not yet developed the necessary skills to perform effectively.

What are some alternatives to saying "not skilled"?

You can use alternatives like "unskilled", "inexperienced", "untrained", or "lacking expertise" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "not skilled" in a sentence?

You can use "not skilled" to describe someone's lack of ability: "He is "not skilled in public speaking"." or "They are "not skilled at coding"."

Is it better to say "not skilled" or "unskilled"?

Both "not skilled" and "unskilled" are acceptable. "Unskilled" is a single word and can be more concise, while "not skilled" may sometimes provide a slightly softer tone. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.