soft skill

USAGE SUMMARY

"soft skill" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to personal qualities and abilities that are not necessarily job-specific or technical, but are important for effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. You can use the phrase "soft skill" when discussing someone's strengths or abilities, or when describing job requirements. For example: - "John's strong communication and leadership skills are valuable soft skills in his role as project manager." - "The company is looking for candidates who possess both technical knowledge and soft skills such as adaptability and time management." - "One of the key soft skills of a successful salesperson is the ability to build rapport with clients." In these examples, "soft skill" is used as a noun to describe a specific quality or attribute. It can also be used in a more general sense, such as "developing soft skills" or "improving soft skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

One, being funny, which is a soft skill.

The New York Times

Assess what category the request falls into - such as a soft skill or a practical skill, which should make it easier for you to pinpoint why it's inappropriate.

The Guardian

The goal is a perfect example of a one-two in which the return pass draws two defenders towards the attacker, allowing him to burst through and score (see also Ruud Gullit's emphatic masterpiece against Ireland in 1990 ). Beckenbauer finished with the soft skill of an expert surgeon.

The Guardian - Sport

Joan: The most important "soft" skill is a sense for how data is organized.

Science Magazine

The model also revealed that soft skill acquisition positively influenced employees' work performance.

Asia Pacific Management Review

I had no such trouble with the other ladies since I had requested that specific soft skill.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

These are known as soft skills.

The New York Times - Tech

But soft skills aren't enough anymore.

The Guardian

And our soft skills are a real weakness".

The New York Times

The study delved further into demand for soft skills.

The Guardian

Research estimates that soft skills contribute £88bn to the economy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "soft skills" in the context of job applications, tailor your descriptions to match the specific requirements outlined in the job description. Highlight those that are most relevant to the role.

Common error

Avoid generalizations about the significance of "soft skills" without backing them up with specific instances. Claims such as "soft skills are crucial for success" should be supported by data, anecdotes, or compelling reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "soft skill" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows this usage across various contexts, denoting personal qualities and abilities that are not necessarily job-specific but are essential for effective interaction and performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "soft skill" refers to personal attributes that enhance an individual's interactions and performance, standing in contrast to technical or 'hard' skills. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically sound and widely used term across diverse fields such as news, science, and business. Related phrases include "interpersonal skill" and "people skill". When employing this phrase, provide specific examples for clarity, and support claims with evidence. While its applications are vast, from job descriptions to career development, understanding its precise meaning and usage is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interpersonal skill

Focuses specifically on skills related to interacting with others.

people skill

Highlights the ability to work effectively with individuals.

emotional intelligence

Emphasizes the understanding and management of emotions in oneself and others.

social intelligence

Refers to the ability to navigate social situations effectively.

communication skill

Highlights the ability to effectively convey and receive information.

transferable skill

Emphasizes skills applicable across different jobs and industries.

personal attribute

Describes inherent qualities or characteristics of an individual.

professional competency

Focuses on skills and abilities required for job performance.

employability skill

Highlights abilities that make a person desirable to employers.

behavioural skill

Refers to skills related to conduct and interactions in a workplace.

FAQs

How do you define "soft skill"?

A "soft skill" is a personal attribute that enhances an individual's interactions, job performance, and career prospects. These skills are typically non-technical and include communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

What are some examples of "soft skills"?

Examples of "soft skills" include communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability. These are often contrasted with hard skills, which are technical or job-specific.

Why are "soft skills" important in the workplace?

"Soft skills" are vital in the workplace because they enable effective collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. They contribute to a positive work environment and enhance overall productivity. Possessing and improving "soft skills" can make employees more valuable and adaptable. Examples include "interpersonal skill" and "people skill".

What's the difference between "soft skills" and hard skills?

Hard skills are technical abilities specific to a job, while "soft skills" are interpersonal attributes that enhance communication and collaboration. Both are important but serve different functions in the workplace. Developing both types of skills is essential for career success.