Words / C1

uh-DEPT/əˈdept/

Adept means skilled: adept at + -ing, an adept negotiator. Good at is the plain phrase; proficient is a close cousin. Inept is a useful opposite. Adapt (change to fit) is a spelling mix-up.

Meaning

Skilled at doing something (adept at).

Examples

• “She is adept at turning dense research into clear slides.”
• “He is adept at reading a room without interrupting.”
• “The software is powerful if you are adept with shortcuts.”

Good to know

adept at + -ing / adept with tools. Mix-up: adapt. Opposite: inept.

Near in meaning

proficient

New