not very skilled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very skilled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who lacks a high level of proficiency or expertise in a particular area or task. Example: "Although he tries hard, he is not very skilled at playing the piano."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Lunch ended with some not very skilled acrobats throwing each other in the air.

The New York Times

The problem is that we're still not very skilled at tapping into our full empathic potential.

The Guardian

Most organizations do not train employees on how to apologize, leaving people generally not very skilled in that area.

The Washington Post

"They were not very skilled," said Saumil Shah, a Honeynet Project member who translated much of the online dialogue from Urdu.

The New York Times - Tech

Like many people who have lived with a secret for most of their life, she is not very skilled at telling her own story, and the narrative that unfolds is by turn halting and digressive.

The Guardian

If you're not very skilled at investing on your own and you're hesitant to loan money out to particular people online, you might consider hiring a robo-advisor.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"He obviously was pitching to his father, who wasn't very skilled as a catcher," Beccaria said.

The New York Times - Sports

The schemes aren't very creative, the skilled players aren't very skilled and the quarterback play is only entertaining if you enjoy watching players like ex-Jets bust Christian Hackenberg tripping over himself and throwing interceptions after failing to ever take an NFL snap.

Forbes

If you aren't very skilled with makeup, you may want to have it done professionally for this special occasion.

WikiHow

Not being very skilled or knowledgeable about Catholic authorities in the city (especially on a Sunday -- especially on that Sunday), I called the Archdiocese of the District and asked to speak to Cardinal Patrick O Boyle, then the archbishop of Washington.

HuffPost

Unlike them, he isn't a very skilled slash artist.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not very skilled", consider the audience and context. In formal settings, opt for more neutral alternatives like "lacking proficiency" or "relatively unskilled".

Common error

Avoid using "not very skilled" in situations where it could be perceived as overly critical or demeaning. Instead, focus on areas for improvement or potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very skilled" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe a deficiency in ability or expertise. It is commonly used to express a mild or moderate lack of proficiency, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not very skilled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that indicates a mild to moderate lack of proficiency. Ludwig confirms that it is widely understood and accepted, though it might be perceived as slightly informal in certain professional or academic contexts. When writing, be mindful of the audience and purpose, and consider using more precise or nuanced language when necessary. Alternatives such as "lacking proficiency" or "relatively unskilled" can offer a more formal tone. Remember to avoid overly harsh wording and focus on potential for improvement. Finally, bear in mind that according to Ludwig AI, the phrase functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe a deficiency in ability or expertise. It is frequently employed in News & Media, Wiki and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively unskilled

This suggests a comparison to others who are more skilled.

not highly proficient

This alternative focuses on the absence of a high level of mastery.

lacking proficiency

This phrase emphasizes the absence of a required level of expertise.

not particularly adept

This phrase indicates a general lack of natural talent or skill.

not especially talented

This highlights a lack of natural aptitude for a particular skill.

amateurish

This describes something done with a lack of professional skill or polish.

somewhat inept

This phrase suggests a slight lack of skill or competence.

subpar performance

This phrase focuses on the outcome rather than the inherent skill.

rather incompetent

This alternative suggests a more significant deficiency in ability.

moderately challenged

This is a euphemistic way to describe someone who struggles with a task or skill.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not very skilled" to sound more positive?

You could use phrases like "still developing", "learning the ropes", or "gaining experience" to convey a sense of progress and potential.

Is it appropriate to use "not very skilled" in a formal evaluation?

While grammatically correct, "not very skilled" might be perceived as too informal for a formal evaluation. Consider using more objective and professional language such as "requires further development" or "needs improvement in".

What's a more empathetic way to say someone is "not very skilled"?

You could say they are "new to this", "in the early stages of learning", or "still honing their craft" to be more supportive.

Which is the difference between "not very skilled" and "unskilled"?

"Unskilled" implies a complete lack of skill, while "not very skilled" suggests some level of competence, albeit limited.