What defines a skill?

The definition of a skill centers around the ability to perform a task proficiently. Skills are practical applications of knowledge and involve the capacity to execute tasks effectively, whether those tasks are physical movements, mental processes, or social interactions. This proficiency comes from both practice and experience, highlighting the importance of developing skills through active engagement rather than merely possessing theoretical knowledge or understanding.

While theoretical knowledge forms a foundational understanding of a subject, it does not equate to the ability to perform tasks. Similarly, a collection of attributes may describe a person’s characteristics or potential but does not directly translate to competency in specific tasks. An external influence on behavior may have an impact on how skills are developed or utilized, but it does not define what a skill inherently is. Thus, the ability to perform a task proficiently captures the essence of what constitutes a skill.