adjective

adept

/əˈdɛpt/ · say it: uh·DEPT

very skilled or proficient at something

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) very skilled or experienced at something

2. (noun) a person who is highly skilled at something

Examples

1. She is adept at solving difficult math problems.
2. The software requires an adept to install and configure it properly.

How to use adept

As an adjective, adept describes someone with considerable skill or proficiency, often implying long practice or natural talent. It is slightly more formal than 'good at' and suggests a high level of competence. The noun form is less common in modern usage but refers to a person of exceptional skill, particularly in a specialized or esoteric field.

Common phrases

adept at
adept in
become adept
remarkably adept
adept hand

Synonyms

skilled · proficient · expert · accomplished · master

Opposites

unskilled · incompetent · inept

Word family

adeptly (adverb) · adeptness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse adept with adapt; adept means skilled, while adapt means to adjust or modify.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD