Standard Lemma guide

deskill

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To redesign (a job) so that less skill is required to carry it out, for example through the introduction of new technology.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The impact on workers is fairly obvious but I believe that managerial jobs have also been deskilled by the adoption of controlling systems and procedures.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To change the role of (workers) so that they are no longer required or able to use the skills that they have acquired.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Tragic, too, is the gradual deskilling of teachers, loss of excitement about the profession, and loss of gifted teachers to other pursuits.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *de Proto-Indo-European *-h1 Proto-Indo-European *déh1 Proto-Italic *dē Latin dē Latin dē-der. English de- English skill English deskill From de- + skill.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: descualificar — Translations
  • Spanish: desespecializar — Translations