Dexterityskill and control in using the hands effectively refers to skill and ease in using your hands, especially when doing tasks that need careful control and coordinationthe ability to use different parts smoothly together. It is often used for practical, physical actions like handling tools, sewing, or performing delicateeasily damaged, needing very careful handling work.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /dek-STER-uh-tee/
Easy pronunciation: dek-STER-uh-tee (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the second syllable.
Used for skill and control in using the hands.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Dexterity Meaning
skillful hand use and coordination
Part of speech: noun
Definition: skill and control in using the hands.
Example: The surgeon’s dexterity helped her complete the operation safely.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- manual dexterity — Directly matches the hand-skill sense, though it is a fuller phrase rather than a single-word substitute.
- sleight — Can mean skill in using the hands, especially with quick or clever movements, but it is less common and more limited in everyday use.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Dexterity Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- manual dexterity
- sleight
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using dexterity to mean general intelligence or mental sharpness.
- Treating it as a synonym for any kind of skill, when it usually refers to skilled hand movement or coordination.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dexterity mean?
Dexterity means skill and control in using the hands, especially for precise or delicate tasks.
What are the synonyms of dexterity?
Common synonyms include manual dexterity and, in some contexts, sleight.
Is dexterity only about hands?
In everyday English, yes. It mainly refers to skillful hand movement and coordination.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
