C2adjectiveworkeducation
US/əˈdept/
UK/əˈdept/
very skilful at doing something, especially something difficult
In context
She is adept at handling difficult customers without losing her temper.
Teenagers are often more adept than their parents at using new apps.
He became adept at cooking Vietnamese dishes after living in Hanoi for a year.
Words that go with adept
adjective + preposition
- adept atCats are adept at finding the warmest place in the house.
- adept inThe new assistant is adept in three languages.
adverb + adjective
- highly adeptShe is highly adept at negotiating with suppliers.
- particularly adeptHe's particularly adept at explaining complex ideas simply.
- increasingly adeptScammers are becoming increasingly adept at copying bank websites.
- politically adeptA politically adept leader knows when to compromise.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He is adept in cook.Correct: He is adept at cooking.