Upskill

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To undergo training or education aimed at improving one's expertise or knowledge related to a specific task or profession
2. The act of gaining new competencies or improving current ones, often to advance in a career or personal interests
3. To increase one's ability or knowledge in professional skills through education or training

Etymology: "Upskill" is a plain compound: the prefix "up-" joined to "skill." The noun "skill" came into Middle English from Old Norse "skil," meaning distinction or discernment, and it is ultimately related to the verb "to skill," meaning to make a difference or matter, which is why "skill" once carried the sense of knowing how things stand rather than mere dexterity. The verb "upskill" follows the familiar pattern of "upgrade" or "update," where "up-" signals improvement or raising to a higher level. Its sense is therefore "to raise one's skills," with the emphasis on acquiring further training for an existing role rather than learning something entirely new.

Synonyms: improve, enhance, develop, advance, refine