Definitions

makings

NOUN

competence

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appropriateness capability capacity competency expertise fitness know-how proficiency qualification savvy skill suitability

STRONG

adequacy might moxie

WEAK

cutting it cutting the mustard hacking it making the grade qualifiedness the goods the right stuff what it takes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignorance impotence inability inappropriateness incompetence ineptness lack

WEAK

inadequacy incapability inefficience

NOUN

component

Synonyms

STRONGEST

factor ingredient item peripheral piece segment unit

STRONG

constituent fixings making plug-in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

whole

NOUN

constituent

Synonyms

STRONG

board component division essential factor fraction ingredient part plug-in portion principle unit

WEAK

fixins part and parcel

Antonyms

STRONG

entirety whole

NOUN

expertise

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ability competence facility know-how proficiency prowess savvy skill

STRONG

adroitness aptness art bag chops cleverness command craft deftness dexterity expertness finesse goods ingeniousness judgment knack line mastery readiness skillfulness stuff

WEAK

ableness cunning dodge masterliness one's thing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignorance inability inadequacy incapability incompetence ineptness weakness

STRONG

lack

WEAK

clumsiness stupidity

NOUN

expertise/expertness

Synonyms

WEAK

ability ableness adroitness aptness art cleverness command competence craft cunning deftness dexterity dodge facility finesse goods ingeniousness judgment knack know-how line oil one's thing prowess readiness savvy sharpness skill skillfulness stuff

Antonyms

WEAK

ignorance inexpertness lack

NOUN

proficiency

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aptitude competence dexterity efficiency expertise know-how knowledge mastery savvy skill

STRONG

accomplishment advance advancement chops expertness facility formula headway knack learning moxie oil progress stuff talent

WEAK

green thumb right stuff what it takes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignorance inability incapability incapacity incompetence inefficiency ineptness lack

STRONG

block decline failure halt retreat retrogression stop stoppage

WEAK

clumsiness

NOUN

qualification

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accomplishment adequacy capability competence eligibility experience fitness quality skill suitability

STRONG

attainment attribute capacity endowment goods might stuff suitableness

WEAK

qualifiedness what it takes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignorance inability inadequacy incapability incompetence ineptness inexperience

STRONG

loss weakness

WEAK

disqualification inaptitude lack

NOUN

skill

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accomplishment art artistry clout competence dexterity experience expertise finesse ingenuity intelligence job know-how proficiency prowess quickness readiness savvy technique

STRONG

address adroitness aptitude cleverness command craft cunning deftness dodge ease expertness facility goods handiness knack line moxie profession skillfulness sleight smarts stuff trade

WEAK

expertism one's thing right stuff what it takes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clumsiness ignorance inability incompetence ineptness lack

STRONG

avocation difficulty entertainment fun stupidity

WEAK

incapability incapacity inexperience

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We perhaps have the makings of a deal here,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

“We perhaps have the makings of a deal here,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

It’s hardly the makings of a global depression, but it will surely deliver more persistent pain than markets are currently pricing in.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

“This is all the makings of the most hated V-shaped rally again,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

I thought she had the makings of a good writer herself.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

makings

Example Sentences

Related Words